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20http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/jean-michael-basquiat-to-dazzle-at-fondation-louis-vuitton
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/jean-michael-basquiat-to-dazzle-at-fondation-louis-vuitton
When it comes to truly remarkable and stunning structures around the planet, the Fondation Louis Vuitton building is surely one of the most amazing. Located in the fabulous French capital city of Paris, it's a monumental feat of architectural brilliance from master designer Frank Gehry. It really is one of those places everyone should see at least once in their lives and will certainly not be forgotten once you do.

Art and culture combined in Paris - When the original concept for this structure was created, the idea was to give Paris a magical space where art could interact with culture. Very quickly, it was clear that the Fondation Louis Vuitton building itself had to be as awesome as the exhibitions inside.

The truly daring and jaw-dropping 21st Century design that Frank Gehry came up with did all this and more. The Fondation Louis Vuitton building is every bit as iconic and stunning as the brand behind it. There are over 13,000 square metres of flowing glass roofing that was constructed using innovative techniques never seen before. The complex shapes within the design turned traditional architectural principles on their head to create the fantastic finished structure.

Of course, it wasn't just the look of the building that the designers were tasked with creating. As befits such a responsible brand like Louis Vuitton, it was also key to construct a sustainable building that was eco-friendly. This has seen many features installed to achieve this, including a rainwater recovery system to provide all the water needed. The designers were also keen to think about the acoustic and environmental impact of the building on the surrounding area.

Jean-Michael Basquiat at Fondation Louis Vuitton - A truly exciting artist of his time, the next big exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton will be of acclaimed New York artist Jean-Michael Basquiat. Running from 3rd October 2018 to 14th January 2019, this is set to be a showcase that art lovers cannot miss.

Basquiat exploded onto the art scene in the 1980s when his neo-expressionist artwork stunned and amazed those who saw it. Tragically passing away at the early age of 27 in 1988, his work has gone on to see more acclaim. Indeed, one of his pieces sold for a massive $110.5 million before his death in 1982, which shows his popularity.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton is honouring this modern master by showing his most important work to the public. Drawing on its own special collection of artwork started in 1990, the exhibition will focus on around 100 of Basquiat's most eye-catching works from 1980 to 1988. This will include the Heads series and ensembles never before seen in Europe. These include Obnoxious Liberals, In Italian and Riding with Death.

This exhibition is a must-see for any art and culture lovers out there. It gives you an instant ride back to the New York of the 1980s with its hip-hop and graffiti infused atmosphere.

]]>Wed, 8 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/kanye-west-makes-his-own-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/kanye-west-makes-his-own-office-furnitureWith an impressive 21 Grammy Award wins to his name, Kanye West is up there with the greatest American rappers of all time. As well as being a singer, songwriter and record producer, West is also an entrepreneur and has created his own fashion label. However, a recent interview with wife Kim Kardashian also revealed another skill: interior design. Kanye West makes his own office furniture, working with world renowned designers to create the pieces to suit the design aesthetic he carefully plans out.

Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt and Kanye West struck up a friendship through designing pieces for the celebrity couple, who are well known for their distinctive style. Vervoordt has recently designed custom pieces for their new Hidden Hills home. The Belgian designer's unique blend of minimalism and timeless history appealed to the couple and seemingly was a match for Kanye's own design ambitions.

For those of you thinking this is a big departure for the American rapper, Kanye is actually no stranger to the design world. In fact, he was nominated for a prestigious Beazley Designs of the Year Award, by the London Design Museum, for his merchandise range. So just how hands-on is Kanye in his work designing his own office furniture? Wife Kim explains he often draws out sketches of pieces that are then taken by Axel and created. One such example is a couch they have in their home, which Axel created and named the Kanye Couch in recognition of the rapper's collaboration.

So what is Kanye West's style? Whilst Axel is known for his minimalist interior design with serene and rustic finishes, blending in historical set pieces, Kanye is also influenced by brutalism. The classic, raw architectural style, with an emphasis on striking stripped-back materials, texture and construction is a bold choice of design and highly expressive, so perhaps it comes as no surprise that Kanye is a fan of this design aesthetic. Kanye’s latest studio has been designed with a brutalist theme, no doubt heavily influenced by the star's own design tastes.

As for the future of Kanye West's interior design career, who can say? There are rumours that Kanye would like to work with a mainstream company, which would no doubt be welcome news for fans of the celebrity couple, with the opportunity to own Kanye-inspired work. In the meantime, if you are inspired to be like Kanye, and have a hand in designing your own office furniture, we have an in-house CAD design department with 3D visualisation capability. This gives our customers and project managers reassurance when planning projects and the opportunity to be creative just like Kanye!

]]>Wed, 25 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-design-for-a-the-modern-workplace
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-design-for-a-the-modern-workplaceWhen it comes to considering the place you work, you might think that the culture, your coworkers and the rewards of working there are the most important thing - but, though these factors are very important to a happy, healthy environment, design is one of the things that has an impact on us most when it comes to loving going to work every day. After all, you have to look at it all day and work in that environment; why wouldn't you want it to be aesthetically pleasing?

Light, light and more light - There's little more important to a productive and happy workday than having plenty of light - and there's a reason more businesses than ever are swapping fluorescent bulbs out for huge windows that let more light in. Sunlight makes us happy, and natural light is far easier on the eyes than flickering or migraine-inducing bulbs, leading to greater well-being; and better productivity thanks to a happier environment.

Modern style indicates a modern culture - Very few people look at a 70s-style office with ceiling tiles and strip lights and think 'I want to work there'. A big part of modern culture and business styles is the modern design that goes along with it, whether it's swapping cubicles for a more open work environment or opting for natural and lightcolours over dark woods and old carpets. Your office design is your first in-person impression for visitors and potential hires alike, so modern design can easily reflect the values of your business in a positive way.

Put employee well-being first - The easiest, or cheapest,option isn't always the most practical, and businesses that work with costs first, rarely end up with the same dedicated, productive and loyal employees that modern businesses value. Think ergonomic designs for chairs and desks, a design that's conducive to productivity between employees and less isolation, and even open and airy environments that encourage collaboration. Our wellbeing department is constantly being updated so keep coming back to see what’s new.

Modern design is a must for effective modern business - Flexible modern business practices just don't mesh with old-fashioned office design - with concepts like hot desking, digital collaboration and global working environments, there's a far greater need for space that an older office design can't provide - not to mention a lack of compatibility with modern technologies and requirements. A modern workplace needs a modern design to function effectively.

At Office Reality, modern design is at the forefront of our minds. Speak to a member of our design team who will work with you, using the latest in 3dvisualisation software, to bring your dream working space to life.

]]>Thu, 19 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/work-from-a-church
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/work-from-a-church
Modern office workplaces are very different from what they used to be. The tired, old, uniform rows of office desks and office chairs in a dull and uninspiring regulation building are thankfully long gone.

Nowadays, working environments often no longer resemble simple offices. To the casual observer, they seem more like coffee shop interiors, with their informal air and breakout spaces.

Designed for comfort, creativity, and unorthodox functionality, the modern office workplace is now found tucked inside unusual buildings and locations like warehouses, basements and loft conversions.

One place you might not have imagined as a likely office space, though, is a church. Or rather, a former church. British architectural firm Weston Surman and Deane has recently completed a conversion of an old Victorian place of worship, transforming it from a musty and decrepit old religious site into a vibrant and colourful open-plan office space.

The concept of 'adaptive building reuse' is a growing trend in architecture circles, and the award-winning studio created by Tom Surman and Percy Weston has jumped onto the bandwagon with both feet in their attempts to find new uses for old buildings. Their official website confirms as much, stating that their work 'is driven by unique spatial and material responses to each site, programme and client', and that a 'strong emphasis is placed on innovative construction techniques to produce out-of-the-ordinary architecture'.

Out-of-the-ordinary is certainly what they've achieved with their church conversion. The project has become something of a showpiece for the firm, especially since it now functions as their very own office. Although the look is unquestionably and unflinchingly modern, the designers were keen to keep something of the church's former glory – which is why stained-glass panels and screens have been utilised as an homage to its past life.

The stained-glass panels and dividers are the only items that call to mind a traditional church aesthetic; for the rest, the office space features clean, contemporary whitewashed walls and office fixtures, completed by a tasteful, light-brown hardwood floor. The metal stairway, which hangs from the roof, retains a powerful sense of novelty despite the traditional geometrical patterns of the stained-glass panels which adorn it.

The office contains two separate floor spaces, one at each end of the room. The old church's central space boasts an elevated ceiling and wide windows, allowing daylight to pour in and illuminate the minimalist desks and workstations.

Image credits: Weston Surman and Deane

]]>Fri, 6 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/stunning-co-working-office-space
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/stunning-co-working-office-space
As more and more of us work somewhere other than a traditional office or become part of the 'gig economy', there has been a dramatic increase in the number of co-working spaces popping up in major towns and cities throughout the UK.

Marketed as a more work-focussed alternative to coffee shops, co-working spaces usually charge a small fee per day, or month, in exchange for space to work, and necessary facilities such as power, wireless internet and often simple refreshments such as tea and coffee.

Co-working spaces range in style and quality, and price. At the cheaper end of the market, long communal bench desks and bench seating often feature. Slightly more upmarket are those which offer individual desks, or even 'accoustic pods' such as you might see in a more traditional open-plan office space.

At the upper end of the co-working market, and price range, though are a select few modern, stylish and upmarket spaces designed to be pleasant social arenas in which to spend your working day, rather than merely a place to park your laptop.

One such premium example is Thomas House in Victoria, London. Constructed in 1989 to match the Regency-style properties in the area, the building has now been converted into a stylish open-plan co-working space.

Thomas House now incorporates a variety of workspaces, from breakfast bar style seating to comfy breakout seating, large open plan desks and private booths. The lighting is subdued and classy, and any visitor could easily be forgiven for thinking they have walked into the London base of a major technology company.

Other features available at Thomas House, for members of the co-working space, include a library, gym, drinks bar, meditation room and a roof terrace boasting impressive views across the City of London.

In common with many co-working spaces, Thomas House has been set up very much to encourage mixing and socialising between the buildings many users, who span different professions and organisations. Although the building has two distinct wings, all of the communal facilities have been placed in the central area of the building, allowing people to mingle easily and encouraging spontaneous interactions.

More spaces like Thomas House are appearing throughout the country every day, as a great value alternative to owning or renting increasingly pricey office space.

]]>Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/lgbt-architects-in-or-out
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/lgbt-architects-in-or-out
A recent LGBT+ survey carried out by The Architects' Journal shows that the number of openly gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual architects who are open about their sexuality has fallen over the last two years.

The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are "out" in architecture has dropped to 73%. The last time data was collected in 2016 it showed that 80% of respondents were out. For respondents outside of London, the percentage of people who are open about their sexuality in the industry drops to around 62%.

Homophobic abuse is increasing - According to the survey, the number of people in architecture who have heard homophobic or transphobic insults being used in the workplace has risen to 39%, which is up from 37% previously.

It's also been revealed that the number of architects who feel that their sexuality creates barriers to them being able to progress in their careers has increased from 24% in 2016 to 30% in this recent survey.

The results of the recent survey show that attitudes towards sexuality in architecture are becoming more negative as the year's progress, and according to a transgender woman and associate director at Williams Lester Lisa Sumner, this is a reflection of the changes that the UK has seen since the result of the Brexit referendum.

Many believe that the negativity spread during the campaign for Brexit has had an impact on today's society, and when looking at the results of this recent survey, it's difficult to argue with this. Compared with previous years, it seems that in recent years, being open about sexuality in architecture is just as difficult now as it has ever been for individuals.

LGBT architects should be made to feel welcome - Even though the survey shows that attitudes are negative towards the LGBT community, there's still some fantastic work being done to promote inclusivity and ensure that sexuality and gender isn't a barrier to career progression. I feel that it is so important that architects feel comfortable to be open about themselves in their work circles and companies have an important role to play.

Conversations about sexuality and gender should be normalised and become part of the mainstream so that everybody working in architecture feels comfortable to be open and honest about who they really are, without the fear of prejudice and negativity.

As I approached my office desk and took my first sip of the day earlier, I observed my colleagues working and chatting happily among themselves, just as they always do, regardless of their sexuality and gender. It was then that I realised we take it for granted that being comfortable with each other is the norm. I then stopped to think about people that are excluded in the workplace and how that could impact on their lives. If I’m being honest, I could only conclude that it must be a living hell. I can only scratch the surface of how it must feel to be excluded and my attempt of putting myself in their shoes for just a moment would be seen, by many, as a pretty pathetic one.

]]>Thu, 7 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/facebooks-london-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/facebooks-london-officeWe all know that the tech giants seem to have some of the coolest offices around the world. We have seen the many articles about the amazing Google offices, and now Facebook has a place to call their own in London. Not only is Facebook’s office exciting in terms of the design itself, but also it is creating 800 jobs in the process, which is great news for the UK’s capital city.

Based bang in the centre of London, the new premises is going to house the largest Facebook engineering team outside of the US. It will also host a new incubator for start-ups, known as the LDN_LAB. Of course, the new office does not mark Facebook’s introduction to London. The social media giant arrived on the scene 10 years ago. However, it’s presence is clearly getting bigger and bigger, meaning that by the end of the year, Facebook’s UK workforce will be 2,300 employees.

So, what is the office itself like and where can you find it? It is in Rathbone Place, which is just off the bustling shopping area of Oxford Street. The office is 247,000 square foot in size, and it has a public square, called Rathbone Square, and seven floors. Architect Frank Gehry designed it. Frank Gehry is a Canadian-born American architect who has an outstanding reputation in the industry. His works have been deemed some of the most vital works of contemporary architecture. Some of his best-known works include the Vitra Design Museum, the New World Center in Miami Beach, the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA and Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. With that in mind, it is of little surprise that the opening attracted such attention, with Chancellor Phillip Hammond being one of the many that were in attendance.

You may be wondering what sort of work is going to be going on in these new offices. Well, Facebook has already revealed that some of the work on its virtual reality platform, Oculus, will be going on here.Workplace is another program that will be getting attention at Rathbone Place. Workplace is an offshoot of Facebook that is designed for companies and their employees. Aside from this, numerous start-ups will be hosted at the new LDN_LAB, whereby Facebook provides guidance on business growth and launch success.

There are many architectural benefits to acoustic wallpaper, within the workplace. Acoustic wallpaper will address issues with internal noise and reverberation, helping to keep environments calm and stress-free.

Use of acoustic wallpaper can provide untold benefits in working environments. Take a hospital, for example; there are likely to be hard floorings throughout the entire hospital and endless numbers of people passing through, alongside noises from monitors and equipment adding to the cacophony of sound which will lead to patients having sleep problems and possible medical errors due to communication problems. Fitting acoustic wallpapers can really make a difference to the hospital environment and help reduce the transmission of noise.

Schools are another environment where noise levels can reach particularly high volumes, possibly leading to health or hearing problems amongst teaching staff, and impacting upon concentration levels of students. Considering acoustics and fitting acoustic wallpaper could really make a difference to the classroom environment. What's more, most acoustic wallpaper features a top layer of felt, making it easy to pin drawings, notices and pictures to the classroom walls.

Cutting out noise within the workplace helps create a more welcoming environment for visitors and clients, making it far easier to conduct conversations at normal levels. Employees working in a quieter environment will also find it is much easier to communicate on telephones and far less stressful, leading to higher productivity and greater enjoyment of work. Acoustic wallpapers also help reduce the sort of distractions that can lead to workplace accidents.

High noise levels in any office environment can be stressful and cause annoyance, making it difficult to work comfortably. Considering the acoustics within any space and implementing solutions like acoustic wallpaper can help enhance well-being and increase productivity levels.

You can source a wide range of acoustic wallpapers, featuring an attractive decorative finish or plain fabric finishes. They give an added look of comfort and warmth to interior spaces and have a unique appearance, alongside the acoustic benefits they provide.

Here at OfficeReality we provide a range of acoustic wallpapers in different colours and patterns, alongside a wide selection of office furniture ideal for the workplace. We also provide a complete design service so if you need any help planning a new space or refurbishing an existing one, give a member of our design team a call.

]]>Tue, 22 May 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-new-natural-how-biophilia-will-be-the-next-big-trend-in-office-design
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-new-natural-how-biophilia-will-be-the-next-big-trend-in-office-design
We're working longer hours than ever before, and spending over 90% of our time indoors. There's no wonder that biophilic design - or the art of blending nature into the spaces we live and work in - is one of the hottest trends in office design. It's all to do with our innate desire to connect with nature, even in a situation where that connection may seem impossible. Biophilic design allows us to get in touch with the new natural, and boost our creativity and productivity as an important by-product of this organic approach to design.

The art of the curve - There's a reason why we find engineered and minimalist spaces unappealing to work in, and it's closely linked to our perception of hostile space. Sharp lines and angles are often perceived as sterile and man-made, whereas the organic sweep of a curve invites conversation that may lead to innovation. Consider acoustic meeting pods which provide informal meeting spaces and harness the power of the natural curve to invite collaboration and creativity for a biophilic office that embraces the new natural and is both engaging and empowering.

Let the sunshine in - Optimising natural light in the office is one of the cornerstones of biophilic design, so clear clutter away from windows and make sure blinds or curtains are removed to let the light stream in. Turn desks to face towards windows and make sure your workstations are positioned no more than 25 feet away from natural light. If access to natural light is poor then consider incorporating one or more light wells or skylights into your office design.

Going green - Perhaps unsurprisingly, green is critical to the success of any biophilic scheme having a proven positive effect on productivity, creativity and motivation. Take your colour palette from nature, combining soft and tranquil greens with the colours of fruit and flowers to which our eyes are naturally attracted when outdoors. Organic shades of earth, gold, sky blue and off-white produce a relaxing and comfortable environment that attunes the brain to the life outdoors. Combined with the use of natural textures and materials, biophilic design creates a new natural light in the built environment.

Pay attention to planting - Whether you opt for real plants with air purifying properties or fake plants to create a low maintenance green wall, your aim is to create an interior landscape that is naturalistic and informal, that blurs the edges between the indoors and the outdoors as artlessly as possible. The trick is to fool the eye into believing it's viewing a natural landscape thus improving both concentration and mood.

]]>Tue, 17 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/how-long-before-the-bots-take-your-job
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/how-long-before-the-bots-take-your-job
Robots taking the work of humans is not a new concept. Since the industrial revolution, workers have been facing an adapt or die approach as the machines moved in and took the jobs of workers. For example, with the arrival of the car, saddle makers were forced to diversify their offering and moved into making leather goods such as footballs and luggage. The threat faced today is that autonomous vehicles could one day take the jobs of professional drivers. This could threaten the jobs of truck and taxi drivers throughout the world.

In call centres, more and more customer enquiries are being handled by artificial intelligence chatbots. And they're proving much more popular with customers thanks to their ability to process vast quantities of interactions and learn from this data. By 2030, it is estimated that nearly two-thirds of all jobs could be automated, and this would impact 800 million roles. If you're concerned about bots taking your job, it's time to start preparing.

Don't neglect the STEM subjects - If you're concerned about bots taking your job, then you should be aiming to get ahead of the curve so that you can get involved in this revolution. Retraining in science, technology, engineering or maths could ensure that your job is future-proof as you'll be involved in creating and maintaining those very same robots.

Become indispensable - Although robots might move in and take a lot of the jobs, they will still need humans around to handle the cases that the bots can't. For example, although it is estimated that many call centre roles will be replaced by bots by 2020, bots will only be able to handle between 60 and 80% of all enquiries. This leaves a good portion for the human counterparts. If you want to avoid the job cull, it's important to specialise in your role and ensure that you bring something to the table that a robot simply cannot do.

Start retraining - Many industries won't be impacted by robots, so it isn't too late to start thinking about a change of career. You can start by looking at the services people look for which have nothing to do with an online environment. This might mean going into teaching, the medical profession, or even food preparation. While a robot might be able to throw together a pizza or flip a burger, fine dining is unlikely to be affected by the rise of the robots.

In conclusion, we should probably look at increasing our ergonomic chair section to includeergonomic chairs for the bots but why make it easy for them? Seriously though, if your job currently involves staring at a screen for eight hours a day, it might be time to start thinking about how you can future-proof your income.

]]>Tue, 3 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/snow-so-if-its-impossible-to-get-to-work-what-are-your-rights
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/snow-so-if-its-impossible-to-get-to-work-what-are-your-rights
Storm Emma, the Beast from the East and other severe weather has disrupted business in the UK substantially since the start of the year. This brings in its wake some interesting questions about employee rights.

Though spring might be on its way, with more snow forecast in Britain, rail and road problems could still make the daily commute difficult, if not impossible.

So, with police warnings to only travel when necessary, what rights do you have as an employee to opt to stay at home as oposed to making it to your office desk?

Flexible work patterns - As flexible working is far more acceptable and normal these days, and the internet has made it easy to work from any location, there is rarely a problem if you work field sales, for example. Setting up your laptop or mobile to work from your home office desk or sitting on an ergonomic office chair at your kitchen table may not be an issue.

However, if your presence in the workplace is required – such as working machinery or supervising a warehouse - then a snow day may be more disruptive. Do you know your company's adverse weather policy?

Rights and customs -There is no automatic obligation for employers to pay you, on days you can’t get to work safely. However, most employers don’t dock wages for snow days as a matter of courtesy. This is often a discretionary and informal agreement.

Some employment contracts include specific mention of these circumstances, and an agreement on the limits and boundaries if you opt to stay at home.

Check your contract for such issues, as your employer may ask that you take snow days from your annual leave allowance or that you complete the lost hours at a later date.

What if schools close? - If you could get to work, but you stay at home due to other weather related conditions – such as closure at your children’s school – that is a different scenario. Employers often class this either as annual leave, or give you the option of taking an unpaid absence.

Check with your own employer - It would be rare in these enlightened times for employers to demand that you come to work in any of these circumstances, but if in doubt, check with your HR department and find out what support your employer provides for snow days.

The employment advice and conciliation service - Acas - also recommends that you talk to your employer about any grey areas. This is particularly relevant when you could get to work, but choose not to due to family obligations and concerns.

]]>Wed, 21 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/kim-kardashian-and-the-benefits-of-the-treadmill-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/kim-kardashian-and-the-benefits-of-the-treadmill-desk
When Kim Kardashian snapped her first experience of the treadmill desk, during one of her regular visits to her celebrity trainer, Gunnar Peterson, her excitement at the wonders of walking while you work was tantamount to the revolutionary way these treadmills are changing how people are working.

While her reaction may have been typically dramatic: "That's so insane," Kim K said, while panning her camera around the treadmill desk manned by a Gunnar Peterson employee, there is no exaggeration to the way that treadmill desks have been transforming workplaces. Employees now saunter on for miles, simultaneously going through the normal rigours of office life, responding to emails while all the time burning calories; treadmill desks are now being praised as a fantastic way to mitigate the fact that a desk job has you sitting down all day.

It isn't exactly a surprise that Kardashian hasn't seen one of these desks before, as the mega-rich star doesn't typically spend time in an office making PowerPoints and checking emails. But her pleasant shock at the wonders of this invention shows that she completely gets it: "Look how amazing Gunnar [Peterson] is to his team," she said.

The treadmill desk does carry some huge benefits, with recent studies showing that you will burn three times more calories even just walking at a slow pace than if you are sitting or standing. Kim's excitement certainly seems warranted; medical professionals say that just one hour of exercise a week can halve the risk of dementia, and regular walking can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 points as well as potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.

These treadmill desks start from around £1,400.00, with more advanced editions usually priced between £2,000-£3,000, and have been sold in their droves across the pond, in the US, and hundreds have already been installed in offices and homes across the UK.

]]>Fri, 16 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/apples-new-futuristic-5-billion-spaceship-campus
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/apples-new-futuristic-5-billion-spaceship-campus
Think your office is the height of extravagance? Wait until you see the futuristic “spaceship campus” Apple employees are set to call home.

Staff have begun the move into the all-new Apple Park in California, which features over 9,000 trees and is home to its very own orchard. The campus was the brainchild of Apple founder Steve Jobs, who envisioned the sustainable workplace design just months before his passing in 2011. It will eventually house 12,000 employees in a large ring-shaped campus designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

The office of the future - Leaked behind-the-scenes images reveal enormous glass walls, two miles of running track, a meadow, orchard and internal grounds which are home to thousands of trees. Although Apple Park is still under heavy development, some parts of the tech giant’s new headquarters are now being used by staff – which has been nicknamed the “spaceship campus” on account of its futuristic, ground-breaking design.

Regal feel - Much of the new building has been kept away from prying eyes as a result of heavy plant machinery, scaffolding and protective equipment blocking any reasonable view. But as construction draws to a close, much of the building materials and building equipment has been removed, allowing employees to share photographs of their new workplace on social media for all to see.

The entrance to the campus has been described as having a grandiose, “regal” feel to it, with bold, straight steps finished in Apple’s familiar brilliant white colour leading up to breath-taking curved interior windows, which are designed to allow natural light to enter the entirety of the doughnut-shaped campus.

Temporary occupancy permits - Apple received temporary permits to occupy five of the site’s twelve sections before the end of last year, with the remaining permits expected to be signed off by the end of March 2018, at which point the majority of employees will relocate into what has been described as an incredible mixture of nature and futuristic urbanity.

• More than one thousand bikes on site at all times, free for staff to use
• A 1,000-seater auditorium
• 300,000 square feet of research space
• Underground parking which is hidden from view
• Natural gas power, privately sourced
• Eco-friendly natural ventilation
• Low-energy LED for spaces natural light does not reach
• On-site recycling

The auditorium, named the Steve Jobs Theater, is situated on the top of a hill and will be utilised for staff and guests to unveil new Apple products and deliver keynote speeches.

]]>Fri, 2 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cool-millennial-workspaces
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cool-millennial-workspaces
Do you go to work every day, look around and feel depressed? Well, we don’t blame you. Everyone gets fed up with bland offices and dull workplaces. These days, millennials are far less likely to accept boring workspaces and want something a bit different. Employees are far more likely to want to stay in an office that’s interesting and will put in a lot more effort if they have a great environment to work in. Here are some examples of cool millennial workplaces around the globe. Maybe take some inspiration for your next office redesign?

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Who wouldn’t want to work in a place where Mars Rovers carry messages about to test their functions? It’s better than a traditional pigeonhole! Real zoos might not be practical for even an untraditional office space, but NASA’s IT zoo lets their employees play around with new inventions and pieces of tech that isn’t available to the general public yet. Also available are onsite coffee shops, museums and virtual reality headsets to let employees do their work from a virtual beach or forest.

Inventionland - Inventionland in Pittsburgh is a company that does exactly that, come up with new inventions, and their offices are suitably spectacular. The crowning glory of the place is a giant pirate ship surrounded by a moat that you can work from, caves with Wi-Fi capabilities, and a racetrack where you can race model cars, a castle and numerous other fabulous settings. If we worked here, we would never leave!

Facebook - The Facebook offices are as you would expect, innovative, modern and interesting. There’s giant slides and firemen’s poles between floors, chill-out areas full of bean bags, and games rooms. The offices are covered in wall murals instead of boring grey panels, sure to brighten up all employees’ days and make them work better and harder. That’s not to mention the award-winning dining room, where all employees eat for free!

Low or no budget to revamp your office space? Don’t worry, you can still brighten the place up with some of Office Reality’s choice and value office furniture. Have a look round our site today and choose some signature pieces to inject a little life into your working environment. And if you need some help to visualise your space ask a member of our design team who will be happy to help with 3D visuals.

]]>Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/3-healthy-recipes-to-transform-your-office-lunch
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/3-healthy-recipes-to-transform-your-office-lunch
More and more people have started bringing a packed lunch to work and enjoy the amount of money and calories this saves them. However, a lot of professionals are still holding back, scared off by images of drab salads and sandwiches. Here, we’ll list just a handful of healthy, tasty recipes that will transform your lunchtime.

Baked falafel - If you’re trying to make healthier choices for lunch, try this take on a Middle Eastern favourite, without the fat and calories that you’d get from your average street food vendor. Baked falafels cut out the fat and calories of their fried equivalent and contain protein-rich chickpeas, which are a perfect way to fill up on essential fibre.

Baked falafel tastes divine in a pita with hummus, lettuce and other veggies. Many people like to keep the ingredients cold in a Tupperware box, then toast the pita when they get to work. With this office lunch, you’ll not only be getting your vitamins in but can also fill up on energy for the afternoon ahead.

White bean pasta with feta and black olives and artichokes - Now we move slightly west, into the Mediterranean. This delicious and healthy pasta will keep you feeling full and energised through the usual afternoon slump. It's irresistible, easy to prepare and suitable for vegetarians.

The feta and white beans give you a great dose of protein, while the olives and artichokes give it a distinct, salty flavour. Adding diced vegetables gives you extra vitamins, along with a crunchy texture. If it wasn’t nutritious enough for you already, top it off by using whole wheat pasta. A creamy sauce helps it taste great cold, but you can always nuke it in the office microwave.

Roast chicken caprese sandwich - Caprese sandwiches have really taken off in recent years. Already tasty and healthy, basil bursts with vitamins, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and mozzarella gives you a healthy dose of calcium. You can top this recipe off with some protein in the form of rotisserie chicken, and swap out the traditional olive oil for truffle mustard for a more distinctive flavour.

You might want to consider a white balsamic glaze on your sandwich, as some people find the cold roast chicken slightly dry. Some packed lunch options might be slightly easier to prepare, but this sandwich is healthy and delicious. Try it once and you’ll agree it’s worth getting up half an hour earlier for! Alternatively, you could toast the bread in the office toaster before adding your fillings for a warm, delicious treat.

If you have got this far, you may wonder why a company that concentrates on office furniture, design and fit-out are taking the opportunity to blog about recipe and office lunches. Well it's simple... we love food!

I’ve rocketed and warped into thousands of worlds since I was 5 years old. It wasn't Christmas, nor was it my Birthday, heck it wasn't even Fatherly bribery (well perhaps, actually), It was, however, a phenomenal present! A gorgeous, shimmering, boxed NES console (Nintendo Entertainment System) with the TMNT Turtles game included within it. The constant telly adverts had mangled my brain to the brink of psychological breakdown, so to get one out of the blue, man, elated doesn’t even come close. Gaming is an unconditional love I’ll always have and it’s allowed me to develop and refine certain skills and abilities throughout the multitude of universes I’ve existed in. Problem solving, hand-eye-coordination, logical thinking and spatial awareness, to name a few. Thinking back, Mother often said; “They’ll rot your brain!”……….Who’s laughing now, hey?

During years of gaming, I’ve represented the UK playing ‘Super Smash Brothers: Melee’. A registered E-Sport and subjectively the quickest and most dexterity rich fighting game ever created. With upwards of 300 actions per minute (APM), it requires incredible focus, execution and precision. All of which demand a mind be free from all outside interferences, such as my comfortability factor, for example.

I think we're all guilty of taking comfort for granted, on more than one occasion, are we not?

We don’t usually think about how comfortable we are, instead focusing on how uncomfy something is. “This bed’s too soft!”, “Those stools are wobbly” or “Awww, my bum’s going to sleep”. It’s something that comes to the forefront of our minds, the moment we feel it and I’d say it’s down to living in a world which provides us with everything we require, hastily, inexpensively and with little to no effort on our parts. We’re just used to getting what we want basically, aren’t we?

“All of which require a mind to be free of all outside interferences” and “forefront of our minds” don’t mix well, do they?

If you’re gaming and you are uncomfortable, it’s detrimental. Nothing but a constant, annoying hindrance. A fixable issue though, thankfully. Ergonomic chairs are awesome! Designed for comfort, you’ll forget everything but your preferred video game. Isn’t that the very point of comfort? It’ll be one less worry in one life so you can immersively live another.

]]>Thu, 1 Feb 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-music-you-decide
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-music-you-decide
Did you know that each year businesses in the UK pay thousands of pounds to the Performing Right Society so that their employees can listen to music in the office? But don't worry if you listen using headphones because that's free. It's an easy solution to the divide between workers who can't get through the day without a blast of something upbeat, and those for whom silence is golden and should stay that way - or is it?

Studies about the way music can impact on your brain have been going on since the 1950s and neuromusicology - yes that's a thing - has shown the pathways that music can take as it enters the ears and then lights up areas of the brain used for cognitive function. In fact, most studies seem to agree that music can make you happier, more creative and productive at work. So let's turn up the radio, right?

Not necessarily. For example, music with lyrics is generally felt to be a distraction - unless you're engaged in a boring and repetitive task in which case the lyric content can help take your mind off it. In a 1994 study on heart surgeons it was concluded that they performed better when listening to music, while research on software developers in 2005 showed that their efficiency, quality of work and mood all improved when they had something upbeat to listen to.

It seems that we may need to re-calibrate the way we think about music and start regarding it as an ambient noise, using it to block out noisy printers and audible conversation, the number one most annoying and distracting sound in the office. Of course, it's all about finding a happy medium and choosing ambient music that can influence the mood and creativity of everyone in the office.

So what kind of music works best? We know heart surgeons respond to the stirring strains of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and that the gentle trickle of a waterfall or rustling leaves can improve concentration and cognitive function. If you want to boost your energy and get an emotional high, then epic music - think Star Wars or Indiana Jones - might motivate you, while some people swear that the music from SimCity helps them chew through their workload with ease.

Get the balance right, and you can reduce stress and unlock some hidden creativity and productivity whilst sat at your office desk. So, nominate an Office DJ for the day and see where their beats take you or simply stick in the headphones and go it alone whilst carrying out the most mundane of tasks!

]]>Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sit-back-and-relax-how-to-improve-your-workplace-posture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sit-back-and-relax-how-to-improve-your-workplace-postureSeriously, If like most of us you spend most of your day sat in an office chair looking at a computer screen you might find that you suffer from back, neck, shoulder and leg pain, as well as headaches resulting from these. This is usually because you’re adopting a posture that is contributing to, if not causing, these painful musculoskeletal disorders.

The solution is an obvious one: you need to change the way that you’re sitting – more than that, you need seating that supports this. That’s why we’ve written this article. Giving you some great tips to help you break your bad habits and get your body feeling fit and strong again, it really could change your life for the better.

Shoulders back

One of the main causes of aches and pains for those who work in an office is the way that we tend to sit – generally, perched on the front of our seat and slouching. Causing the lumbar spine to lose its inner curve, this can lead to disc strain, which is why you need to start actively thinking about your posture.

To start, move your chair nearer to your desk, and push your bottom back. Make sure that your back and seat back are in contact at all times too, as if you’re glued to each other and can do nothing else. Then put your shoulders back and smile. Do this for a few days, and you’ll soon find that your aches and pains begin to lessen.

Adjust the height of your seat

Another problem is that lots of people have their seats set at the wrong height so that their legs dangle downwards. This won’t be helping the situation at all, and nor will crossing your legs, or raising them so that your weight is supported on your heels or ankles. Manoeuvre your chair until you can comfortably sit with your feet flat on the floor, and your whole posture will instantly improve.

Check your armrests

Our third and final tip is to take a look at your armrests and see whether they’re actually set up at the right height or not. You want your shoulders to be in a relaxed position as you work, and to achieve this, your armrests need to be suitably adjusted: too high, and they’ll raise your shoulders; too low, and they’ll make you lean.

Get the set-up just right with the help of these three super easy tips, and you’ll be feeling much more comfortable in no time!

]]>Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/will-office-acoustics-set-the-workplace-trend-in-2018
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/will-office-acoustics-set-the-workplace-trend-in-2018
Office life nowadays tends to mean one of two extremes for most people. Either we sit in a noisy, open plan environment, gradually becoming used to the general din that seems to sum up office life in the 21st Century, or we put on a set of headphones and completely disconnect from the environment that we're sitting in. Neither of these options are ideal. Noise can be distracting at best and lead to genuine medical issues in the long-term at worst, while zoning out from the place we're sitting in means that we can become pariahs in our own office and miss out on a lot of what's going on around us.

Considering office acoustics - For this reason, many companies are starting to think about office acoustics. Whether it's attempting to lessen the general din of the office by installing acoustic pods and acoustic baffles or taking other, practical steps to improve the working environment, many HR departments are starting to think about the sound of their offices like never before. If your business has just woken up to the importance of office acoustics, then here are a few hints to help improve the situation for everyone that works in your office.

Use equipment to improve the situation - Changing behaviour can take a long time, but with office acoustic equipment you can make some instant changes. Consider installing acoustic office screens between areas of your office to deaden the noise that's generated by naturally loud departments such as call centres. Workers in other departments will thank you for the improvement and you may well notice an increase in productivity.

Take it outside - Before you start a 2-hour conference call at your desk, take a look around you and take account of what your colleagues are doing. If they appear to be deeply engrossed in a complex task then consider moving elsewhere in your office to take the call. If your building has hot desks or pods that generally go unused then this might be the perfect time to make use of them. Alternatively, if you don't need access to a computer during the call then consider heading outside. You'll get a little fresh air and save your co-workers from having to listen to half a phone call.

Acoustic office products look set to be one of the big trends of 2018. By making the changes now, you can increase your chances of retaining happy workers when this approach becomes the norm.

]]>Tue, 9 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/top-8-things-not-to-do-in-the-workplace
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/top-8-things-not-to-do-in-the-workplace
If you want to get ahead in your job there are certain habits that may be holding you back. Here is a list of the top eight things not to do in the workplace if you want to succeed.

1. Gossip - we spend so much time with our colleagues it is only natural that we get to find out some of the more intimate areas of their lives. It can be tempting to spread that latest piece of gossip. However, this can make you unpopular and can land you into serious trouble.

2. Complain - there are bound to be several things you don’t like about the work you do or your office environment, and voicing an opinion sometimes is fine. Just don’t get into the habit of moaning constantly as if overheard by the wrong people this could cause you problems.

3. Meddle with office furniture belonging to colleagues - many people have health issues that require them to use specialist office chairs or height adjustable desks that are set up specifically for their needs. Changing these settings could affect their ability to work.

4. Excessive use of social media or personal calls - it can be very tempting to check out Facebook or chat to your mates, but if you do it in work’s time you could get into serious trouble as you don’t know who is monitoring your work habits.

5. Come in when you’re sick - you may feel under pressure to be at work, but spreading germs around the office can affect the entire workforce. If you are feeling ill you will also be less productive and could make vital mistakes.

6. Be overly political - everyone has their views, but some of these are best left outside of the workplace. Politics can be a very emotive subject for people and you risk alienating yourself and others if you have very strong opinions.

7. Say yes to everything - you want to be liked and so you become that person who volunteers for every task and agrees with everything your boss says. However, you risk trying to take on too much and not getting your important work done. Your boss will respect you more if he thinks you have your own views and opinions.

8. Cultivate bad personal habits - letting your clutter spread out over your colleagues’ desks will make you unpopular. Other bad habits include eating smelly food at your desk, swearing excessively and talking loudly when other colleagues are trying to take calls.

]]>Tue, 2 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/employee-productivity-averages-2-hours-53-minutes-a-day
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/employee-productivity-averages-2-hours-53-minutes-a-day
Most workers want to be productive in their roles, but in the modern office, there are so many distractions that it can be hard to maintain focus.

A recent survey suggests that office workers can do as little as three hours' work each day. The usual suspects eat into people's office time with social media, drink and snack breaks, and watercooler moments helping them get through the day. To boost productivity, a company can develop a range of strategies, venturing into draconian territory.

Create a place for fun - Call it a huddle room, a de-stress zone or just the coffee room, but having a dedicated place for people to relax will help the office environment. Make it small enough so only a few people can use it at once, and the rest of the office should be more productive until they get their turn. Creating a space where people can chill out helps them go back to their desks better prepared to concentrate.

The technical approach to productivity - One big time sink for workers is using their notebook or desktop PCs for personal affairs. Having your IT department limit access to online shopping sites and social media can help improve productivity. Workers will do these tasks on their phones, but will spend their PC time on work and office tasks. The company should not ban access to news or general sites, as people will start to feel oppressed if they are forced to work in a vacuum.

When it comes to mobile devices, the office should have a policy about their use, with warnings for people who spend all day on a device. Generally, setting them to silent should be the norm, and personal calls should be taken away from open areas. Taking mobiles into meetings should also be frowned upon.

Make sure workers are comfortable - Another step to boosting productivity is to ensure that people work in a comfortable environment. If workers are uncomfortable, then they will be up wandering about more which in turn leads to distracting others. Comfortable adjustable office chairs that are matched to the desks, with good back support, arm and headrests will help keep people at their desks longer. A small investment in higher quality office furniture can bring about a surprising rise in productivity.

Highlight the benefits of a productive day - As part of a balanced approach to the office day, business leaders and HR should welcome and encourage workers taking the initiative when it comes to productivity. Excessive time wasting should be punished, but people who apparently have more time on their hands should have more work delegated to them. Office goals and targets should be highlighted and celebrated when met, while training and development will help workers focus on their roles and understand the company's objectives better.

]]>Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-could-offices-look-like-in-2025
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-could-offices-look-like-in-2025If you ever wish that you had never actually met your boss and your colleagues could be holograms well stand by because research was published way back in 2012 which suggests this could become an office reality.

Forget the latest trends in office furniture design or taking your mobiles and tablets to work; by 2025 you may not even have an office to go to! Instead work spaces could be replaced by technology...yes we mean using interactive surfaces.Holographic teleconferencing and virtual "dry runs" of projects could consign old office templates to the dustbin. Multiple surfaces could play a huge part in the office of 2025 where the office becomes home or a shared work hub and digitally enabled smart paint will project holograms of colleagues at a single touch of an interactive surface. Mad right?

So let’s keep it real and understandable for now. Let’s take a practical look at how things may take shape. The office space has changed a lot in recent years, with increasing numbers of companies moving away from cubicles and individual workspaces towards having more open plan offices that place an emphasis of collaborative work. With that in mind, we thought we'd take a look at what offices may look like by 2025 if we are not all holograms by then!

Flexible working - With the increase of flexible working set to continue, the way we look at offices may change. In fact, there are some who believe offices will be seen as a luxury or reward. As it stands, the reasons people go into an office are slowly changing, with offices becoming increasingly more collaborative.

To facilitate this, we may see offices do more to provide convenience workers with a space in which they can focus on their work. Outside of work, we may see more personal services being provided in offices, as well as wellness options. We could even see offices take their lead from welcoming hospitality spaces, which would mean different forms of seating and work accommodation in a single fixed space.

Replacing office desks with custom made workstations - It's likely that even those who have static workstations will see more emphasis placed on their individual needs and what they require in order to be productive. We may also see moveable walls, sound-absorbing fabrics and acoustic products, so workers can get the privacy they need. Such walls could also be used to create hubs, which would allow for greater collaboration, while avoiding the cavernous feel that tends to come from having meetings in the middle of an open-plan office.

Elsewhere, hygiene factors, such as lighting and temperature, will become more sophisticated and data-based, in order to accommodate employees. Rather than the shift being design-based, it appears offices will be more reliant on technology to help workers feel at home and improve their experience, which in turn will boost productivity.

Smart technology - With wearable devices continuing to evolve, they look set to shape the way offices work in the future. Instead of being stuck behind a desk, employees will bring their devices with them, which will provide them with easy access to plenty of digital screens. Communication may also switch from texting and emails, which aren't that easy to compose on a smartwatch at the moment, to interpersonal interaction.

We're also likely to see smart conference spaces to facilitate various meetings. The technology will help with providing everything from easy access devices to seamless ways for remote workers to join in with the meeting, either via video conference or audio. We could even see sensors used to track meeting participation and ensure that each team member has an opportunity to speak.

So, there we have it. While the offices of 2025 may look a lot different to the way we imagine them, it's undeniable that tech will have a big role to play in not only how office work is done, but how we look after the people who work in the office. Offices will be changing, so if you need to update your office furniture or your office is in need of a makeover, give us a call and speak with a member of the design team.

]]>Thu, 7 Dec 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/as-far-as-the-eye-can-see-top-five-office-views
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/as-far-as-the-eye-can-see-top-five-office-views
We can often find ourselves spending a lot of time in an office environment. Whilst this can be stressful and demanding, there are some offices in the world that find themselves in stunning locations that allow you to relax, ponder and appreciate. Soaring office views allow you to woo prospective clients, lord over a sky-high kingdom and to feel pretty great about your station in life. Below we've sourced out the top five offices with the best views.

LinkedIn in San Francisco - San Francisco is a beautiful and vibrant city that is home to the LinkedIn headquarters. Not only do the offices emit a cosy yet modern vibe with its open office floor plan but they are brimming with natural light which is perfect for staying motivated during long hours. The surrounding views of San Francisco include a view of the Golden Gate Bridge meaning it's the perfect place to enjoy a coffee during business hours at workstations.

SapientNitro in Toronto - The interior design of these offices is particularly impressive with its reclaimed wood office furniture which gives off warming earth tones. However, what really sets it apart is the stunning view of Toronto, Canada, that leaves a lasting impression on you.

The Steward Building, London - London is full of many wonderful and iconic views, so often high-rise buildings will find the opportunity for a great view. However, one building that is really spoilt for views is the Steward Building. Its office space is arranged over six upper floors and the office interiors are finished to the highest standard with contemporary office furniture and meeting rooms, plus an open terrace located on the upper floors which offer breathtaking views over the streets below. You can also spot The Gherkin building raised above all others in the background.

Confidential Client in New York - New York is a business hub and you often find skyscrapers overlooking other tall buildings; however, there is a wonderful exception and it comes in the form of Confidential Client in New York. You are spoilt with a combination of views of high-rise buildings and a soaring view of Central Park in all its glory. This is certainly a view that will provide inspiration when it's most needed and a space to relax when it's time to unwind.

Marina Bay, Singapore - With state-of-the-art office space, the Marina Bay has lots to offer, including its spectacular view of Singapore. Overlooking the stunning Marina Bay area, you're in for a treat if you get the chance to see a firework display whilst working late or relax whilst gazing over the metallic skyscrapers that reflect an array of colours.

We hope you aren't experiencing too much office view envy, but for ways to update your office chairs, office furniture and space in general, get in touch with us today.

]]>Wed, 29 Nov 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/20-ways-office-work-was-different-in-the-80s-and-90s
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/20-ways-office-work-was-different-in-the-80s-and-90s
Computers were clunky, office chairs were creaky and desks were anything but hot. But it's more than the operator's chair and the office furniture that has changed - it's a whole way of working that has evolved from those more innocent times.

1. Lunch - now lunch is something to be grabbed at your desk with your mobile buzzing. Then it was three courses on expenses.

2. Taking a sick day - then you were off work because you were genuinely ill, now if you're off sick you're also working - from home.

3. Reading reports - back in the 80s and 90s, people actually read reports, on paper. Now, we read everything that's relevant - or NSFW - on the internet.

4. Faxing - once, we faxed the weekly update. Now we have real-time updates that track our every move.

5. Tippex - the delete button.

6. The business card - checking their LinkedIn profile before you meet.

7. Using the photocopier - why bother when you can copy everyone into an email?

8. Leaving work at 5.30pm - emailing at 5.30am.

9. The promotional pen - handing out power banks and video cards.

10. Your own desk - once we had desks with pot plants and photos; now we hot desk or head for Starbucks.

11. Chatting with the receptionist - remember human interaction? Now we check our WiFi connection when we walk through the door.

13. Envying the boss's office chair - now you're sitting next to the boss in a raw design open plan office.

14. A swift pint in the pub at lunchtime - half an hour with the kettlebells in the gym.

15. Celebrating - back in the 80s and 90s, it was champagne and cakes for every new success, now it's an email letting you know your new workload.

16. Transport - back then you had a company car, now you have a Brompton and some very sweaty lycra.

17. Carefully guarding your stationery stash - if you've never had your stapler pinched, you wouldn't understand. Nowadays if it can't be done online, we don't want to know.

18. Having a smoke at your desk - Having a jog at your sit stand desk.

19. In tray - inbox.

20. Uncomfortable office chairs - If your office furniture needs an upgrade from the 80s and 90s, visit and we'll be happy to bring your office into the 21st century!

]]>Thu, 16 Nov 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/why-are-headrests-important
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/why-are-headrests-important
You may never have thought about purchasing an office chair with a headrest; however, understanding the benefits of doing so is important in ensuring that you are getting the best support for your spine and neck which in turn promotes good posture. You may not realise it, but you are more than likely spending a greater amount of time seated in your office chair than in your bed; therefore, it is essential you are supported properly and fully comfortable.

Why use office chairs with headrests? There may be a medical reason why a headrest is needed for your individual case. Those who suffer from acute neck or back pain will find a greater benefit from using a chair with a headrest. The neck pain you may be suffering with may have been brought on by bad posture due to the constant strain of sitting upright without the necessary support. If you work in a reclined position, a headrest may also be a more comfortable option for you.

What to look for in a headrest - When on the lookout for a headrest, it is preferable to you choose one that is adjustable in height; both up and down and in and out. There may be short periods when you don't need to have your head supported, which is why the adjustable option is always useful. Likewise, when searching for a suitable office chair, opt for one that has the proper back height for your individual use. If you're short, a tall back won't allow your headrest to work with to maximum effect and vice versa.

Ergonomic office chairs - Most ergonomic chairs have headrests attached and are perhaps the most luxurious option for maximum comfort and perfect posture! They are designed to suit any one person to ensure that you are fully supported when working long hours. This type of chair provides the best back care suited to your own body dimensions and also provides custom options such as adjustability, seat depth and a selected height range. The seat pan offers good posture and the adjustability factor allows you to recline and forward tilt as and when necessary. Choosing a chair of this kind with an added headrest will be sure to provide you with the best support. Take a look at our range of ergonomic chairs today.

]]>Wed, 8 Nov 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/failed-a-levels-to-office-space-in-town
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/failed-a-levels-to-office-space-in-town
Back in the mid-1980’s, Giles Fuchs returned home to his family with the news that he had failed his A-Levels. Disappointed and in need to prove his worth, he set off to a local estate agents where he secured his first full-time job outside of school.

In the coming three years, he developed the salesmanship and work ethic needed to someday make his own fortune and become the success he wanted.

A crash course in business - Having worked for that same company for three years, Giles left to found his own estate agents firm. The business soon took off and in the following years, he set up a number of other similarly successful ventures.

Such ventures include a disaster recovery company, however, in 2010 his plans changed when he established OSIT with his sister Nikki.

The business of serviced offices - In 1979, Fuchs’s mother set up the first serviced offices in the UK and it is only fitting that as of 2010, her son and daughter have, in Fuchs’s words, “picked up the baton and run with it.”

The partnership in place sees Giles running much of the capital financing and strategic planning elements of the business with Nikki focusing on day-to-day management.

It would appear they’ve found the winning formula as within just seven years the business is now valued at around £200m, with yearly revenues of £20m.

A booming industry - Serviced offices are essentially a way for businesses to hire an office on a very short-term basis, without having to invest large sums of upfront capital or become tied into a lengthy agreement.

As of 2017, it is estimated that this particular industry is worth around £16bn but is set to grow to £60bn by 2025.

Giles and Nikki have incorporated a few USPs in their business model which has allowed them to levy and a good part of the market in such a short period of time.

All their serviced offices are uniquely wonderful in their own way, making them very appealing. One such office is fitted with an Alice in Wonderland theme whilst others use on trend office furniture and contempoaray breakout area furniture to attract clients.

Another turning point was when they pivoted away from leasing office space, into raising finance to own the building themselves and thus become more of a property company.

Making a statement - You don’t need to necessarily follow the same route as Giles when fitting out your office space, as there are much more affordable means of creating the perfect environment.

Here at Office Reality, we design, fit-out and supply office furniture. So If you are looking to revamp the look of your office space, then get started by visiting us here.

Image credits: Office Space in the Town

]]>Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/alternative-stress-relief-pets-in-the-workplace
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/alternative-stress-relief-pets-in-the-workplace
According to recent research, the latest most desirable item of office furniture could be your dog. Some small companies already allow their workers to bring their pets to work with them, but recently even larger corporations have joined in by holding “Bring your dog to work” days to raise money for charity.

So, what are the benefits of bringing a dog to work and why should you consider allowing your staff to do so?

Stress relief - Pets in the workplace can be a great stress reliever. Employees have reported that they experienced better morale and felt more motivated to work harder when their pet was at work with them.

Dogs can help to calm anxiety and reduce blood pressure, and they can also act as social catalysts, encouraging workers to exercise at break times and relieving low moods. In addition, having their dog at work also meant that people were more likely to work later, as they weren’t worried about rushing home to see to their pet.

Bring Your Dog to Work Day - If you are not sure that allowing workers to bring their dogs into the office is a good idea, you could give the idea a trial run by joining in with the annual Bring Your Dog to Work Day.

Bring Your Dog to Work Day raises money for nominated animal charities. In return for a donation of just £50, companies have their website and logo featured on the Bring Your Dog to Work Day website

Companies who participated in the fundraising day benefitted from being perceived as caring and responsible, as well as enjoying higher productivity and better morale from their staff members. In addition, the power of social media ensures that employees’ ‘Pooch Selfies’ could go viral with celebrity endorsement from the likes of Ricky Gervais and ITV’s Loose Women.

The practicalities of dogs in the office - Although having dogs in the office is clearly likely to be appreciated by staff members, there are a few practicalities that must be considered.

Owners must be allowed to take their pets outside for comfort breaks regularly to preserve the cleanliness and hygiene of your flooring. Remember that some people are allergic to pet dander, so always check with everyone who works in the office to make sure that no-one will experience an unpleasant allergic reaction to their colleagues’ pets. Dogs must be kept under strict control to avoid potential scrapping and disruption; the office is still a working environment, after all.

To find out more about kitting out your office so that it’s pet-friendly, why not contact the helpful team at Office Reality?

]]>Tue, 17 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/aromatherapy-for-the-sick-building
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/aromatherapy-for-the-sick-building
One day all is fine, the next day HR Darren has a cold and, before you can say 'hot lemon', 50 per cent of the workforce are sniffling their way through the week and subsequently productivity is down. And, if it's not a cold, it's headaches, nausea, ear infections, runny noses... the list is endless.

But come Friday night, that same workforce is out painting the town red. All symptoms have disappeared... at least until Monday morning.

Sick Building Syndrome, according to the NHS, affects mainly office workers in modern buildings with air conditioning units and especially those who regularly use computers or other display screen equipment. Low humidity, airborne germs in the ventilation shaft and open plan offices can all contribute. So, without redesigning the entire office building, how can employers ensure that employees are healthy and happy during the working week?

Aromatherapy, the ancient science of using essential oils to combat and prevent infection and disease, has had a renaissance over the past 20 years. Whereas most users enjoy the relaxing or stimulative properties of popular, cheap oils such as Lavender angustifolia, there are far wider uses. Many essential oils, readily available on the high street, contain beneficial chemical compounds such as eugenols, eucalpytols and terpineols which can fight airborne germs and boost the immune system, contributing towards a germ-free working environment and increasing productivity.

But, in order to use them wisely and safely, there are some key guidelines to take into consideration:

1. Use natural products: no synthetics. No parabens. Pure oils, extracted from distillation or compression, can be sourced relatively cheaply and are widely available in stores and online.
2. Be very careful if any of the workforce is pregnant, epileptic, asthmatic or suffers from any heart complaints. Some oils are very powerful and can be detrimental to these groups. Oils with contraindications or warnings are marked in the list below with a *.
3. Use the oils safely: an Aromastream or a similar product is the best bet. Two or three drops of the oil are placed onto the pad and then distributed slowly, without the need of a naked flame or heat.

]]>Fri, 13 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/meditation-in-the-workplace
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/meditation-in-the-workplace
Mindfulness and focus - The practice of mindfulness meditation is designed to bring focus back to the body and breathing pattern to help improve concentration and reduce stress. Taking time in the day to focus on the body and controlling breathing helps to train the mind to focus better and, therefore, reduces levels of stress or anxiety. Training the mind to focus better can be increasingly helpful in a modern society, as rapid developments in technology mean that the average attention span is getting shorter. This practice can feel bonkers to start with and people often ask themselves am I doing this right? is that body scan actually doing anything for me? or how an earth am I supposed to imagine my breath reaching my toes let alone actually see it reaching them! All questions that most of us that meditate have asked but somehow practice and patience results in most of us just getting it at some point. The results can be truly life changing.

Stress is common in any modern workplace and this can have detrimental effects on the wellness of staff and their productivity. Meditation is a tried and tested technique that can reduce stress and it has been around for thousands of years. A simple five or ten minutes a day of meditation can have many great benefits for your staff, and many exercises can be completed wherever your staff are comfortable - and, therefore, should be a consideration in office design.

Benefits of meditation - Simple meditation exercises can have great benefits to your staff and to your business. A large amount of time in the average working day is lost due to stress or general negativity, causing loss of focus.

Meditation is intended to help you relax and train your mind. Regular meditation can help you to identify when the mind first starts to wander, to bring you back to the task at present, leading to better focus in all environments, not just the workplace. This can then help you to concentrate better and engage better with any tasks you carry out.

Stress is a common complaint of workers in all industries and this can have an enormous negative impact on not only your working life, but your personal life as well. Practicing meditation can help to calm the mind and learn how to reduce the power that negative thoughts have over your emotions and actions.

How can workplace meditation be implemented? - Implementing a workplace meditation scheme doesn’t need to be an expensive endeavour. Some offices may find the best starting point is to offer a meditation space, somewhere quiet and comfortable where employees can take the time out. If this isn’t viable in your business, there are many mindfulness exercises that can be completed whilst sitting in your computer chair at the desk. Providing optional guided meditation classes or providing guides and reading material on meditation are both helpful ways to introduce meditation to your staff.

Practicing meditation in the workplace, even just 5 to 10 minutes a day, can really help make a difference to how productive your employees are. Aside from directly increasing productivity and focus, meditation’s ability to reduce stress can also help to reduce the time that staff take off work ill. Whether you employ 10 or 10,000 staff, there are a great many benefits that you can achieve from simply implementing a meditation program.

Once you've decided you want to implement workplace meditation, you can find a huge range of office chairs, including breakout stools or sofas, that can give your staff a place to practice their new skills online at Office Reality. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

]]>Fri, 6 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/workspace-design-trends-recruiting-generation-z
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/workspace-design-trends-recruiting-generation-z
As Millennials now dominate the office landscape, and Generation Z starts to enter the workplace, you might find you need to radically rethink your approach in order to attract and retain technologically savvy young talent.

Office design grows up - Great design is not just crucial in creating a productive workspace, but it also showcases your brand and your company culture. The cool office spaces full of craft beers and slides are giving way to a more professional and sophisticated design as companies mature.

Focus on furniture - Where once office furniture was seen as purely functional, the emphasis is increasingly on matching form and function. So storage pieces are increasingly doubling as seating for breakout areas and stylish lockers are replacing the need for traditional office desks. It's a trend that has spilt over into home office furniture where space is limited and storage needs to perform several functions.

In an effort to future-proof the office in an uncertain economic climate, modular office furniture is seen increasingly as the smart choice for the office that needs to be able to fully maximise the available space. Purchasing office furniture online will continue to present the easiest and most cost-effective way for purchasers to future-proof their needs.

Wellbeing drives workplaces fit for function - The trend for bringing the outdoors indoors is part of a bigger trend towards incorporating wellbeing into office design. With sitting at a desk throughout the day dubbed the 'new smoking', such are the dangers of inactivity, there's a growing trend towards sit stand desks, also known as height adjustable workstations which have been proven to positively impact on internal health.

Reducing musculoskeletal pain reduces absenteeism and increases productivity. And sit-stand desks provide freedom of movement that's attractive to younger employees who believe they're more creative and productive when they can collaborate. Activity design is based around the idea of creating the right space for the job, whether that's a quiet pod or a breakout area.

Integrated technology - Generation Z have grown up with technology and it's an expectation of their working environment that tech will be as easy to use in the office as in everyday life. There's an increasing crossover between home technology and the office, with devices like the Echo helping to automate administrative tasks and wireless charging for always-on connectivity. The next stage from Chromecasting seamlessly to a laptop for effortless collaboration will be the continued implementation of augmented and virtual reality, giving Gen Z workers the freedom to work from anywhere at anytime.

If you're interested in taking the first steps towards designing for a new workforce, then give us a call to find out how our design team can create an office design for the next generation.

1. Nova Victoria, Victoria - This truly astonishing building - dubbed a "bright red hideous mess" and a "bright red preening cockerel" - is definitely different. Being the first thing commuters clap eyes on when emerging from Victoria station, this hot-red mess of a building sees London win the Carbuncle Cup for the sixth year straight.

2. The Walkie Talkie, City of London - Love it or loathe it, this top-heavy blot on the landscape and past winner of the Carbuncle Cup has just broken the world record for the world's most expensive building, selling for £1.3bn and making a 167% profit.

3. The MI6 Building, Vauxhall - This is what happens when you have to keep compromising your design, but this wedding cake meets fortress built from Lego is a very special kind of ugly.

4. Strata, Elephant and Castle - Like a giant electric razor, the Strata dominates the skyline of South London and is truly hideous. A good idea - the Strata features built-in wind turbines to generate a portion of its own electricity - though horribly executed.

5. Broadgate, London - Be careful what you wish for. For those who bemoan skyscrapers, behold the behemoth that is 5 Broadgate - a sprawling groundscraper built to house USB financial services. It certainly has Ugly Building Syndrome.

Why great interior design matters

There may be nothing you can do about the exterior of your building, but great interior design is vitally important as it impacts directly on staff satisfaction and productivity. This is the place where your workforce spend most of their working hours so it needs to be somewhere they want to be as well as somewhere they have to be.

In the era of lean and agile working, good furniture design is more important than ever so invest in a modular office with office chairs that can be used behind a desk or in a breakout area. Ergonomic chairs are relatively inexpensive compared to a few years ago and we believe that everybody forced to do a desk job deserves one!

Successful businesses, however big or small, invest in great interior design for the office to keep their staff both healthy and creative. At office reality we are all about office interiors, so check out our website for an idea of our office furniture offering and then contact a member of our design ream who will be able to visualise your space using the latest in 3d visitation technology.

]]>Mon, 18 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-design-finding-the-right-balance
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-design-finding-the-right-balance
Helping to increase productivity and creativity within the workplace more and more, businesses are adapting their office design to help create the ideal working environment for staff.

Initially, businesses thought taking down walls and creating an open plan office would be enough, but that isn’t the case. Instead, careful office space planning is needed, providing more variety and more space for workers to facilitate their different requirements. From quiet, secluded pods to open, collaborative areas, finding the right balance between open office design and a completely closed office is key to productivity and positive results.

Peter Fowler, vice president of Workspace at West Elm, said: “We have to be really clever with how we use space these days.”

An open plan office design encourages team work and promotes friendships among staff. But on the flipside an increase in noise can provide huge distractions and reduce productivity. Meeting pods, which are easy to construct, are perfect for meetings and privacy.

Using sound reduction products in open plan spaces can help provide some privacy without the need for walls or segregation. This can help improve staff morale and team bonding without causing any distractions or compromising on efficiency.

Allowing people to be next to features they use most is also effective. For example, those who are constantly on the phone or in meetings should have access to private rooms or phone pods.

A recent study by research company Leesman looked into activity-based working environments and their impact on staff behaviour. The study found that despite employees having more communal space to choose from, they opted to work in one fixed area rather than float from station to station.

With this in mind it is important for businesses to take into account the type of work staff are tasked with before making any major changes to the layout of an office. More traditional roles, which are typically less creative, may require a quieter more confined fixed space. Whereas group tasks or creative jobs will require communal areas to help brainstorm and encourage discussion within your team.

Finally, if you would like help with redesigning your office space or concept visuals if you are relocationg, give our in house design team a call. Using the latest in 3D visualisation software we can help bring your ideas to life. Embellishments and unique features can be displayed which will help to identify any potential conflicts between departmental adjancies and give you a clear understanding of how your transformed office will look.

]]>Thu, 7 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-white-house-first-renovation-in-more-than-six-decades
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-white-house-first-renovation-in-more-than-six-decades
So with the office refurbishment almost finished, we look at how the room is decorated and what office furniture is making new room fit for the new president.

You may be familiar with Donald Trump's style. If you have seen images of his home in New York, then you will know he has a passion for the traditional and opulent furnishings. When Trump first took over the office from Obama, he made a few surface changes to the style of the room. The most obvious changes were the golden curtains and numerous flags which were positioned to line the walls, in what is definitely a more patriotic look. However, the famous desk was kept in place. We wonder if Trump had been considering new office desks and planning a new spot for that infamous red button? For now, it looks as if the desk everyone knows is staying put.

Photos of the renovations show a lot of golden eagles, which add to the patriotism Trump has already displayed in his interior design choices. A White House official said, "Trump wants to bring back the lustre and glory of the White House."

Trump has chosen an extra large operators chair which ties in well with the gold and cream colours used throughout the room. The office chair is finished in a blood red leather and we have no doubt that hidden under the desk are some of Trump's signature claw feet.

It is not just Trump's office which has been given a makeover. The whole White House is looking a lot more opulent. The West Wing, in particular, has been upgraded so it is now fit for use as a VIP lobby. The new carpet is designed to reflect the amazing rose garden which can be seen from the windows. However, we wonder if the purse strings were tightened when it came to the furniture. Rather than replacing the office chairs, many have simply been recovered.

We hope that Donald Trump now finds his office up to his high standards, and if he does decide on some new office furniture he can always give Office Reality a call. We will be happy to offer him some advice!

]]>Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advantages-of-modern-offices-with-modular-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advantages-of-modern-offices-with-modular-furniture
So, how can you combine the priorities of paying less, for more, and still end up with an attractive and supportive office environment?

Go modular!

What is modular office furniture? - This is an increasingly popular style of modern furniture for commercial buildings. Largely because it is versatile, contemporary looking and relatively inexpensive. It is furniture made of different, separate items that can be pushed together or separated easily – so think work surfaces and storage that can be easily detached. You have the choice of using them together or as individual items.

Take a look at our modular sofas and see how the different pieces can be moved together to make any shape and can bend around the available space. But they are also comfortable, well made and have a great contemporary look? Take a look at a few examples > Dixie , Corvus and Rival

Furniture solutions for flexible workspaces - It is the era of lean and agile working. Companies need to make the best use of every square foot of space, including in offices and foyers. Modular furniture offers a high degree of flexibility. For example, your waiting area chairs can be used in your meeting room if necessary, and staff area tables become desks. Workstations can be separated out to accommodate hot desking, then moved back together to clear floor space.

We understand that time is money and so being able to change your office layout at a minute's notice can be important.

Adaptable and changeable work areas - Unlike many of the other standard office pieces we sell, modular furniture that is light and easy to move. If you ever did need to take it to a new location, it is also straightforward to dismantle it and build it up again on site. Another great benefit is that it tends to come in strong, bold colours. This means that you can “shake up” your office layout from time to time if you wish. Mix and match the colours of modular furniture to periodically freshen up the look of your office for free!

Great furniture for smaller offices - Times of austerity have led to downsizing for many UK companies, and office space can be tight. One of the advantages of modular office systems is they tend to have a smaller footprint than made-to-order or traditional office furniture. It can be formed around existing floor space, moved aside easily when needed, and can be flexible to even the more compact work environment.

Get in touch today with a member of our in house design team to discuss how versatile and low-cost modular office furniture can maximise your workspace potential and appeal.

]]>Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/how-to-workout-with-your-office-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/how-to-workout-with-your-office-chair
If that heavy workload means you can't get to the gym, and you haven't upgraded to one of the new breeds of ergonomic chairs that help to mitigate the health problems associated with spending long hours sitting down, then you're going to need to workout at your desk. Turning office chairs and task chairs into workout chairs for the office leaves you feeling healthier, more productive and definitely more creative!

60-second cardio

Just raising your heart rate in 60-second bursts can have a real impact on your fitness, and there are plenty of exercises you can do in and around your chair.

Try seated jumping jacks - pump your arms into the air in a V and tap your heels wide to each side of your chair, then bring everything back to centre and repeat for 60 seconds.
Pump both arms over head as if you're lifting weights for 30 seconds, then 'run' on the spot by tapping your toes repeatedly for 30 seconds.
Do some chair squats: interlace your fingers, hold your arms out in front then push up from your chair and squat back into it. Repeat for a minute.

Build some strength

Want something a little less breathless but no less challenging? Then try these full body strengtheners:

Knee pull ups: brace yourself against your chair and lift your legs straight up. Now pull your knees in towards your chest and straighten. See if you can do 10 then build from there. You could also start with individual leg raises, remembering not to lock out your knees.
For your chest and shoulders, place your hands on your chair arms or front of the seat and lift your body. Lower your bottom nearly to the chair and then lift. Repeat 15 times.
Try the 'Superman' for your biceps and back: hold onto the edge of the desk and slowly push back in your chair until your arms are extended and your head is between them and you're looking at the floor. Repeat 15 times.

Stretch it out

These simple stretches will relieve stress and keep your muscles from tiring:

Try a yoga twist: take your right hand to the left side of your chair and look over your left shoulder then repeat on the other side. Really effective if you also breathe deeply. Not recommended for office swivel chairs!
Pushing your shoulders down, tilt your head to the left and then the right, breathing deeply. Closing your eyes and drawing circles with your nose also relieves tension in the neck and shoulders.
Put your feet up! Do some hamstring stretches by putting each foot in turn on the desk and gently reaching towards it.

A word of warning - you might want to try these while your colleagues are out of the office!

And if you're ready to invest in brand-new ergonomic chairs for your workplace take a look at our ergonomic chairs

]]>Fri, 11 Aug 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/giving-tall-office-workers-the-chair-they-need-and-deserve
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/giving-tall-office-workers-the-chair-they-need-and-deserve
However, when you think about your daily movement, it becomes easier to believe. With such a variety of chairs at play in our lives, it is vital that the one we spend the most time in is both comfortable and supportive of our body frame.

If you are tall, work in an office and sit at a computer for the entirety of each working day, the importance of a fully-functioning, adjustable chair cannot be overstated.

Chair equality is a good starting point:

In some offices, people of greater seniority are seated at more impressive looking chairs than the majority of the floor staff.

People in positions of power or greater seniority can expect to have a number of job perks in their contract, but one of them should not be a better chair in which to work on than everybody else in the company.

When people are glued to their seats from 9am until 5pm, there is simply no room for negotiation – we strongly believe they should all be provided with the best and most supportive office chair that money can buy.

Generally, more and more companies are realising that a happy staff often equates to better productivity and, as such, a more successful business model.

Scrimping on office or computer chairs – or creating an unofficial hierarchy which is illustrated by seats – is a complete no-no.

Recognising the seated needs of your taller employees:

Tall people, in particular, have very specific needs in a seat. By the very nature of their body shape, their spine needs greater support than people of a smaller stature.

Unfortunately, there is a willingness among some companies to watch on as employees work all day in damaged or not-fit-for-purpose chairs.

With proper investment, companies will easily furnish their premises with office chairs for tall people. This refers to chairs that are flexible towards the physical needs of people who are taller than six foot and have very particular posture-support needs.

Conference chairs, for example, certainly have their place in a board room but under no circumstances should a computer operator be expected to sit in one all day.

Quality operator chairs, which can be adjusted for height and back support, should be in place for all office staff. It's the very least they deserve. The XL6 is a perfect example of a chair that we recommend and it's available for free next day delivery to mainland UK.

Twenty-four-hour chairs are heavy-duty chairs which are designed with ergonomics and back care at their heart - they're most often used in scenarios where someone is likely to be sitting down in an office chair for long stretches at a time, used by people to prevent poor back health or relieve those who suffer from back pain.

It is widely accepted that 24/7 chairs are used as control room chairs for those working with a panel of screens or in a security centre for long periods at a time but they shouldn’t be limited to control room type uses.

So who needs a 24-hour office chair?

Perhaps we could all benefit from the ergonomic features that these chairs boast but in the main there are three groups of people for who extra-large operator chairs or 24-hour chairs would be most useful; those who work long hours, those who suffer from poor back health and those of us that are slightly larger than pipe cleaner!

With modern technology and social media forcing us to spend much of our working day in a seated position, it's more important than ever for both employee and employer to put the emphasis on good back care. For employees, it's an investment in long-term health, because the implications of poor back care can be debilitating and long lasting. By ensuring you have a comfortable, ergonomic chair now, you could be looking after your employability and wellness well into the future.

Employers, too, have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments for the safety and comfort of employees, and in many instances, sturdier and more ergonomic chairs play a huge part. Helping employees to practise good back-care is another way to protect against losses incurred through sickness and ill health in the future.

Buying 24-hour chairs

Purchasing 24-hour chairs or ergonomic office chairs as they are sometimes known helps businesses to meet statutory obligations and is an excellent investment in employees’ health and well-being.

]]>Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-office-chair-olympics-hits-taiwan
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-office-chair-olympics-hits-taiwan
Once the bosses have gone, the security guard and cleaners have done their rounds and the open plan area is clear, it is a time-honoured tradition among desk jockeys. With a straight drag strip down the middle aisle or a full course around the periphery with chicanes and challenging corners, it can be a great way to relieve some built-up office stress, as long as health and safety don't find out.

You might think you were having fun with those battles, and the cheeky deployment of the height adjustment lever to scupper a rival, but the Taiwanese have taken this white-collar sport to new heights. Check out their Olympic-style efforts on the streets of Tainan. Watch the video here >

There's fancy dress, that critical choice of the right footwear for best traction and some protective padding to guard against high-sides and collisions. There's also a full audience to cheer people on and create some atmosphere, which is better than two people from the accounts team betting on your impending loss. With hundreds of competitors, the event helped bring workers and local businesses together.

Presumably, somewhere in a sports laboratory, the true professionals are testing a wide range of office chairs to see which are the fastest, offer the best ride or has the best balance. Pro-tip, note in the video those with locked wheels were going a lot faster! While that isn't usually a buying consideration, we'd like to think that our range of office and swivel chairs could see your office workers up the front of any race.

There's doesn't seem to have been a repeat this year, so the challenge could open to another city or town to claim the crown of world office chair racing champion. Perhaps this sport can become an underground version of the Red Bull Soapbox Challenge that tours the world? Maybe it could help bring some life to the usually empty parts of your office or industrial park, and help encourage different companies to get to know each other better.

If you and your coworkers do get up to something similar, send us over some pictures so we can help spread news of this growing sport. With the impending loss of the British F1 Grand Prix, we will need something new to fill the gap, and office chair racing could be just the thing.

]]>Fri, 7 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-you-sitting-comfortably
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-you-sitting-comfortably
Many professions demand that we spend 8 or more hours a day sitting in front of a computer with limited movement. This can lead to a number of negative health issues in the long term, one of which is often a bad back.

Spinal issues can occur when you spend long periods of time in a computer chair that does not have adequate back support. This puts stress on your lower back which intensifies over time. This can be especially bad if you sit with bad posture and put even more stress on the lower back area. The long term result of poor back support can range between anything from a temporarily sore back, right through to more debilitating conditions including lumbosacral disk hyperextension, scoliosis and other more permanent back issues.

Not only does this usually result in pain, the uncomfortable feeling can also start to affect your work and mood. When we feel uncomfortable, we find it harder to focus on things and as a result, our productivity starts to fall rapidly. This can have obvious repercussions in the workplace, especially if you work in a performance critical industry with targets and objectives to achieve. As an employer, this can be equally as distressing as it can start to affect multiple employees and affect the profits and output of the company.

Chairs with good back and lumbar support can go a long way to ensuring that this isn't an issue. It can help to ensure that yours or your workforce's backs stay strong and healthy, which can reduce time spent off with ill health and go a long way towards maximising productivity. As is the case with most things, prevention is much easier than the cure. Starting early with a computer chair that has good back support is much better than waiting for something to go wrong and dealing with it when it's too late.

A damaged spine is incredibly hard to repair surgically, and it can have a real negative effect on the quality of a person's future life. Ensure that you or your workforce has the proper back support they require.

]]>Wed, 28 Jun 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/airbnb-welcome-to-the-neighbourhood
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/airbnb-welcome-to-the-neighbourhood
Airbnb, founded in 2008 has provided us an alternative to staying in hotels, allowing people to stay in homes all over the world instead for short periods of time. The success of Airbnb has been colossal and the company has unveiled its new premises in Dublin in collaboration with architects Heneghen Peng. These are the first offices that Airbnb has created from scratch and they certainly bring the wow factor into the workplace. The design has dramatically transformed the disused warehouse which will soon be rolled out in offices across the world. The building boasts over 4000sqm and will house around 400 staff members.

The architectural masterpiece was designed with the idea that staff will be able to find each other much more easily, with a neighbourhood effect. The building is made up of of 29 sections clustered inside the warehouse designed to a very high specification. Each neighbourhood is fitted the same with ample storage for personal items, a large boardroom table that encourages brainstorming, one or two sit stand desks, and a breakout area. Visit our product pages to find similar furniture from our selection of sit stand desks, boardroom tables and conference chairs.

They say that sitting is the new smoking and we are becoming increasingly aware of the many benefits of height adjustable desks. Here’s a few: increased energy levels, productivity, collaboration and creativity. They also help to prevent a wide range of health problems and increase the burning of calories.

Each neighbourhood also has a kitchen area with meeting rooms, designed in-house, and inspired by Airbnb clients from across the globe. The design provides the perfect balance of privacy and socialisation and encourages collaboration. The designs have been inspired from Airbnb clients from across the world including subtle details such as tiling and lighting features.The design also includes a unique staircase that also comprises of a working space too!

]]>Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/green-office-green-leaf
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/green-office-green-leaf
We discovered that smaller businesses, with less red tape surrounding them, have the advantage of making bigger Green decisions and being more environmentally aware. Adopting a collective Green approach to bring about positive environmental changes within the workplace can also help to save a few £’s. Here are some ideas that could be used to make greener decisions. If everyone made a small change today the collective impact could be great and benefit people worldwide!

Use environmentally friendly office products that might cost slightly more but this is a small step to cutting down on waste and pollution within the workplace. We all know that using 100% recycled paper and refillable ink cartridges is a great way to save energy and decrease pollution but little consideration is given harsh, abrasive and often environment wrecking cleaning products. So here’s a bit of blurb about our All Natural Sanitiser Spray: its non-toxic, eco-friendly, Kills 99% of bacteria in seconds, there is no need to rinse which saves time and it can be used frequently with no risk of surface damage. Known as Purific, this amazing little bottle of goodness can be used as a sanitiser and a cleaning product which is suitable for use on office desks, chairs, storage and within dining or breakout areas.

Be energy wise: With summer fast approaching in June! It’s easy to turn to an aircon overdose but for those of us that have the option; opening windows instead can make all the difference to providing a healthy more Green office. Making sure those computers, photocopiers and all office equipment are switched off at the end of the day has a positive impact on our environment. We discovered that computers can also be set to energy efficient settings with monitors switching off automatically after 15 minutes. Kettles, coffee machines and other electrical appliances, in the work place, all take their toll on the environment so checking that they are switched off at the end of the day could save on energy costs.

Be water wise: Writing this blog has forced us to think about using water wisely at work and without the luxury of a power shower our focus turned to the over worked kettles which get filled to the brim every time somebody as much as thinks about a hot drink, we drink a lot of tea and coffee! So we turned to Which? and here are their kettle energy saving tips: Boil only the amount of water you need, boiling a litre of water often uses more than twice the energy it takes to boil the minimum amount, descale your kettle regularly, if it’s full of limescale it uses more energy to boil the same amount of water. Choose a kettle with a low minimum fill which means you won’t waste energy by boiling more water than you need.

Be recycle wise: We made the assumption that everybody is recycling within the workplace and it’s a given that making sure there are proper recycling procedures in place and all the staff are aware of them is a must. In addition we stumbled across some interesting reading by Sustainable Business Toolkit: Top 7 office recycling tips that will obliterate your waste. This online article kept our attention where others failed!

Back to the hot drinks.....By choosing Fairtrade organic tea and coffee as our office drinks of choice we can all do our bit to help farmers and workers benefit from improved working conditions, increase awareness of best practice farming, environment management and provide the opportunity to improve healthcare and education within their community. Millions of farmers and workers around the world depend on tea alone to make an income. Competition is rife in countries such as Kenya and Sri Lanka where the smallholder tea sector faces fluctuating green leaf tea prices. They are all too often vulnerable in the tea supply chain which is controlled by large companies. For more visit http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en/farmers-and-workers/tea

]]>Tue, 13 Jun 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/top-10-pinterest-boards-to-follow-for-office-interior-inspiration
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/top-10-pinterest-boards-to-follow-for-office-interior-inspiration
Looking at a new office space that needs designing? Or thinking that your office space needs a face lift? It’s a great idea to get plenty of inspirational ideas together before your start knocking any walls down. This is where Pinterest definitly comes in good use. We have looked through the many ideas that there are out there and have collected our top 10 together, to hopefully inspire you… Come take a look!

A great board to go to for checking out the latest design trends. There are great ideas for what materials and styles to use, creating your perfect office face lift.

Are there any other Pinterest boards that you can suggest to us for office interior inspiration? Make sure you let us know in the comments below!

]]>Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/easter-competition-2017
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/easter-competition-2017
Last week saw our annual Easter egg competition, which was a great success! Alternating between our 4 websites, Olly the Ostrich misplaced an egg daily from the 3rd of April till the 6th, needing your help to find them! We were delighted to see the traffic flow in, helping Olly out with the clues given... It saved him burying his head in the sand!

Unfortunately there could only be 4 winners though. We are eggstatic (I promise that is the only pun I will use) that they were the following:

Already we are looking forward to next year’s competition, so keep an eye out around Easter time 2018! A massive thank you to everyone who entered and sorry if you didn’t get your hands on the big prize… There’s always next year! We hope that all entries on the Thursday have received and enjoyed their Crème Eggs from everyone at Office Reality.

]]>Thu, 13 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/salone-del-mobile-milan-2017-our-highlights
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/salone-del-mobile-milan-2017-our-highlights
Last week, Milan saw one of the most exciting times of the year… Milan Design Week 2017. One of the most important events in the year, it is a great opportunity for designers, architects and artists launch their new products and show off their masterpieces. It is also a great even where design fanatics can attend, finding out what’s new and be awe struck by the amazing exhibitions.

Unfortunately we were unable to attend this year… I know I keep saying it, but there will be a year that I do! Having kept a very close and key eye on the event, we have gathered our top exhibitions, listing our highlights. They are as follows…

“Cut” Lights by Tom Dixon

The “Multiplex” platform by British designer Tim Dixon portrayed an exhibition where the “original met the new” in true Dixon fashion. The stylish exhibition also included his new light range: “Cut”.

“Futuristic and faceted, Cut is an exercise in optics.”

Using metallic materials and mirrors, the reflections create kaleidoscopic shapes and figures through the use of light. The effect created becomes mesmerising and truly magical!

Yuri Suzuki’s “Sonic Pendulum” Installation

Yuri Suzuki collaborated with Audi this year, making use of the same courtyard that Nendo used last year at the show. On the historic courtyard, there were 30 swinging pendulums that each played an ambient bassline. The pendulums were all added onto 3 swinging frames, forming what looked like “Newton’s Cradles” with Audi car models alongside them. Keen visitors were able to listen to the soothing sounds whilst looking at the new cars. The relaxing music was intended to relax the visitors, making sure that they made the most of the experience, peacefully and thus taking everything in.

“SOS Save our Souls” by Archilleas Souras

At only 16, Archilleas Souras showcased his igloos made from lifejackets, intending to draw attention to the global migrant issues faced, even more so recently. He has used life jackets found in Lesbos, a regular landing spot for refugees, to build igloos offering shelter.

“The resulting waterproof structure is intended as both a shelter and a welcome point for arriving migrants.”

The talented artist has made use of a striking point that often surfaces in the news and has offered much needed help, using materials that are intended to save lives as a basis material.

Australia’s Local Design

Exhibited in one of Milan’s oldest churches Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, 11 Australian designers showcased their works using 8000 bricks as platforms. The white “stages” that were created to display furniture, lighting and household objects.

“Designs ranged from thin metal chairs created for Australia’s booming hospitality market to body swallowing leather armchairs for the home on a colonial ranch.”

Using an old canvas, the Australian designers represented the rapid growth in “interest for Australian design”. The key element that was emphasised here was progression and the importance of history and local heritage.

“May I have You Attention Please?” by Maarten Baas

In collaboration with Lensvelt, Dutch designer Maarten Baas created an exhibit that was certainly something to shout about! The “May I have Your Attention Please?” presentation was displayed in a vault that is adjacent to one of Italy’s busiest railway stations, Ventura Centrale.

The works consisted of bullhorns, which emitted whispered voices that represented the hustle and bustle of modern life, portraying the “energy of people”.

“I feel like we live in a World where attention is almost as much currency as money or power is. I don’t say it is good or bad, it’s just an interesting phenomenon.”

As part of the same show, Baas launched his new range of chairs: Maarten Baas 101. The chairs were all shown in individual colours, which emphasised how unique they all are, just like the noises surrounding them. It was a great portrayal of identity and a great representation of how individuality should be embraced.

Emeco: 1 Inch Furniture Range by Jasper Morrison

Designer Jasper Morrison created a new chair range for Emeco, a company that is more widely known for the Emeco 1006 “Navy Chair”. The collection consists of chairs, high stools that come in different heights and tables. The British designer used recycled aluminium to create the framework and the surface materials used were also reclaimed.

“The 1 Inch chair though far from spectacular is intended to be an updated Emeco solution to a wide variety of situations where something strong and less flashy is required.”

The tube structure used for the furniture frames is only 1 inch thick and thus the origins of the range’s title. The thickness chosen was for its “strength-to-weight” ratio. Although simple in design, the 1 Inch range is environmentally conscious and very aesthetically pleasing.

]]>Mon, 10 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/our-top-15-favourite-pinterest-boardroom-designs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/our-top-15-favourite-pinterest-boardroom-designs
Are you in need of design ideas for a new boardroom layout? We’ve put together a list of 15 unique (and sometimes quirky) ideas for planning your future meeting rooms. To find these designs, we diverted our attention to Pinterest. Take a look and make sure to check out our other boards on Pinterest!

This lengthy glass boardroom table combines with the white chairs and surrounding environment to create a fresh, modern space. Dangling candles provide a unique look, with incoming sunlight adding to this effect.

This design adds a bit of fun to the workplace and gives the table multiple purpose (especially when used at lunchtimes). Whilst this quirky style appeals to me, I’m not sure it would set the scene for an important boardroom meeting… so if these occur regularly I may be inclined to give this one a miss!

We love the modern style of this boardroom layout, with its reflective, polished table. The smart seating really complements the arrangement, with the colours matching those of the central table segment.

Whilst the complete interior of this boardroom isn’t visible, it’s the exterior formation that originally caught our eyes. The obscure arrangement of the wall roping is a lot different to the usual external patterns you may see.

Traditional and adventurous, this layout overlooking the city very much appeals to us. We especially love the ancient wood aesthetics, along with the historic script upon the wall. This strong effect allows you to picture yourself in the previous centuries, and is the reason we are drawn to this design so much.

This boardroom layout really caught our eyes with its fairly straightforward and simple plan. As stated in previous designs, the wood effect in a white environment really works. Plus, check out the coloured carpet underneath the table.

This fairly confined space is a peculiar way to present your boardroom meetings, but is unusually pleasant to look at. This design almost looks as though it could be used as a kitchen, but is presented in a classy way.

The glass theme of this boardroom layout is a strangely unique way to host your important business meetings. Its stunning futuristic look allows you to view the outside world, creating a soothing effect in what can sometimes be a stressful environment.

Whilst previous layouts may have seemed quirkier, this fairly basic design really stands out. The table isn’t all that appealing in our opinion, but everything else about the room is engaging. The carpet, chairs, hanging lights, and even the wallpaper really combine together to create a visually-pleasing space.

This formation has made it into our top 3 as we love the symmetrical surroundings of the oval-shaped table. The lighting looks incredible as it follows the table’s shape, focusing your attention on the relevant areas.

Similar to the rope design (No.10), this boardroom does not solely target the interior presentation. It possesses a kind of modern, natural approach with the use of objects and colouring. The glass pods along with the landscape effect creates a fresh space... we would definitely enjoy having meetings in here!

As a recurring theme, it’s no surprise that our highest-ranked design is of a wooden finish. There’s just something about this layout that is really appealing. It possesses a modern but sort of old-fashioned composition, with every aspect of the room combining together to complement one another.

Inspired to update your meeting rooms? Don’t forget to check out our meeting room furniture to make the most of your space!

]]>Thu, 30 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/giraldi-associates-architects-where-the-renaissance-meets-the-contemporary
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/giraldi-associates-architects-where-the-renaissance-meets-the-contemporaryA “palazzi” in Florence saw a makeover, with a modern twist a few years ago. Although the historic buildings are usually “sacroscant”, Giraldi Assoociati Architetti found a way round this to house their new office space:

“Via nothing more than furnishings, he injected a contemporary flair very much his own.”

Without touching the structure, the personal touch was incorporated with the use of modern furniture that complements the antique space. The juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary styles have been a favourable interior design choice within the industry for a number of years. GAA’s HQ in Florence is a fine example of this design choice. Let me set the scene…

Within the lobby by the main entrance to the office, visitors are greeted by large Renaissance windows, a marble floor that dates back to 1800 and a stack of multi-coloured globes.

The globes in the corner add a splash of colour to the white walls. There are mirrors upon the doors, which reflect the colours present and the sculpture could be a representation of how the company has become a global enterprise having offices in LA and Berlin as well.

Entering the reception area, you are met by a beautiful sheepskin rug that is laid across the tiled floor. A large sofa by Archizoom Associati (dubbed a “cult favourite from 1966”) is situated at the end of the room, below the company’s logo that is has is lit with strobe bulbs.

Surrounded by Renaissance architecture, a modern flair continues throughout the room. There is a paper maché cow sculpture and the main lighting stems from a lacquered steel pendant that hangs from the centre of the ceiling. Elements of gold have been incorporated within the pendant’s shade, reflecting the gold gilded paint on the door panels. All colours, furniture and sculptures all flow amongst each other, accompanying all design choices added throughout over more than 400 years.

The mix between “heritage and modern day” is not the only design influence that Giraldi seems to have desired to create. There is also natural elements that can be found within the office space.

In the boardroom, a solid wood slab held up by a rustic steel frame creates a table. This is overlooked by a 17th century painting on the ceiling… It becomes evident that Giraldi has a keen eye for history as well as nature. Natural, wooden elements flow amongst the rest of the room with panels being set alongside the wall and creating shelf units. Sheepskins also decorate parts of the wall and the room has been fitted with a green carpet that creates an illusion of grass. The contrast between the painting that is man-made and the natural materials creates a beautiful, striking effect. The subtle manner in which Giraldi has incorporated these styles create a flow of elegance that complement and work with each other, rather than clash. Simply stunning.

The upstairs space consists of shared office spaces that continue the themes that have been introduced from the lobby area. The effects are created with the use of flooring and contemporary furniture items, such as white bench desks and glass meeting tables.

In one of the shared offices, there are two oil paintings (circa 1600) within the ceiling that are surrounded by plastered, decorative sculptures. The decorations continue down along the wall to where they meet white desks that have a modern, simplistic style. The thick desk frames are a reflection on the columns and door panels where Giraldi has, again, subtly fused both styles together. Modest bookcases are used for storage, not to overshadow the heritage style in which the desks are situated. Embracing nature, the same green carpet flows from the boardroom into the office area.

Within other office areas you will find the same decadent, flamboyant ceiling and wall features that were designed and fitted throughout the 18th century. Italian noble heritage is embraced within these rooms instead Gold, white and silver wallpaper covers the wall, emphasising a regal feel. Golden chandeliers have been left hanging and the same thick framed bench desks have been installed.

Instead of a green carpet, a red carpet has been fitted into these particular spaces. The scarlet finish highlights the reference to nobility as this colour is associated to the Italian upper class throughout the Renaissance period. Another historical reference that could have been made by using this colour is the Unification of Italy in 1871. One of the leaders of this conquest throughout the 1800s was Garibaldi. His followers were referred to as the “Redshirts” and his achievements are associated to the success of the expedition. Red therefore has become a very strong, important colour to Italian culture. Other office areas have wooden flooring, keeping to natural elements and allowing the heritage of the building to remain in sight.

The flow of green, white and red shades throughout the building all symbolise the colours in the Italian national flag, thus showing the importance of national heritage and pride that Giraldi might have wanted to put forward.

The mix between the traditional and contemporary is a big favourite of mine. Being a history buff, the Renaissance period is one of my best-loved eras. The time-lapse represented new beginnings and change in a positive sense. Giraldi has represented the same feeling within the interior, using the existing architectural masterpiece as a canvas. Respecting history and nature, bringing them into a contemporary, nationally proud style is truly inspirational and gorgeous. A workplace that must feel like a personal palace.

There are a lot more features that have been implemented and embraced. Check out the gallery here. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

]]>Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-top-10-books-every-small-business-owner-should-read
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-top-10-books-every-small-business-owner-should-read
Running a business can be quite stressful and what better way to ease the pressure of this, than by reading a book?! If you find yourself glued to pages, why not improve your knowledge and perception of business management at the same time! There are plenty of books out there that can develop your understanding of controlling a company, whether they are based on efficiency, finance or other topics such as motivation. After conducting some research, we have selected our recommended ‘Top 10’ Books for Small Business Owners…

Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is a great example of a book that can develop your financial education, improving how to plan a budget in future endeavors. It concentrates on planting the image about saving money along with building assets, in order to expand the business. Robert Kiyosaki explains various financial theories in this book, with the addition of diagrams to truly plant the seeds upon your knowledge of the topics.

Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez

One of the key aspects within this book is also money management, attempting to make your day to day life have more sense when it comes to controlling your budget. The authors use previous experiences to explain their opinions, creating a sense of value when reading Your Money or Your Life.

The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber

Michael Gerber generates a powerful message within The E-Myth Revisited; focusing on the idea that in order to create a successful business, you must have a goal in life and not solely for the business. This book implants a sustainable mindset, helping develop your business without having to work tirelessly to achieve objectives.

The Goal – Eliyahu Goldratt

Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt is a fictional novel, that has an important message on how to continuously improve business development and leadership. It is renowned for being one of the ‘most effective management books’, which is constantly underlined throughout the book. The story targets how making correct and realistic aims is key to management.

Switch – Chip & Dan Heath

This specific book aims to express the importance of change and how it’s key to make sure you pitch your ideas effectively. The message of Switch is constantly understood throughout the book, with the authors ensuring that it is constantly refreshed.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey

The 7 habits of which this book is base around are used to reflect on your life from both a personal and professional point of view. It aims for the reader to build on these habits, making them a more effective individual on the whole.

Awaken the Giant Within – Anthony Robbins

Awaken the Giant Within is very well known for its high source of motivation, attempting to raise your self-worth and getting rid of any diminishing thoughts that will limit your ability. The author uses a varied range of powerful language, enabling the reader to feel imaginative with future possibilities.

Drive – Daniel Pink

Daniel Pink has created a highly motivational book in ‘Drive’, that covers ambition for personal gain, as well as progression within a team. It directs focus on sources of motivation, as well as what makes us tick in general.

Business Adventures – John Brooks

Economic history is the focus of Business Adventures, relating this topic to how it impacts regular business procedures. It also creates a solid knowledge of taxes and the challenges that may be faced in the duration of developing a company. Bill Gates hailed this as ‘The Best Business Book I’ve Ever Read’ in a blog that he personally wrote upon his website.

Book Yourself Solid – Michael Port

This book by Michael Port concentrates on how to become successful at marketing a business, whilst solidifying methods of finding new clients. It builds a message of how important it is to pitch your business with confidence and solidification.

Which books would you recommend for Small Business Owners? Let us know in the comments below!

]]>Thu, 16 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/space-nendos-rolling-workspace-whiteboards
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/space-nendos-rolling-workspace-whiteboards
Where would we be without the invention of the wheel? The innovative design has brought us transport, machinery and now rolling whiteboards! Displayed at Orgatec 2016, “Nendo” displayed their “Space” rolling boards range for Japanese manufacturer KOKUYO.

The inspiration behind creating a circular shape for the generic whiteboard was to “encourage creativity”. The round shape also means that they are easily moved around. Voiding any awkward and heavy lifting also reduces stress levels within the office space.

Board users are also encouraged to write in a “radial way, taking away the linear concept that we often find ourselves in within an office environment”, adding to the creativity that these boards impose.

“The removal of corners and square shapes also produces a setting where the mind and communication between colleagues can flow freely, without being obstructed by sharp corners.”

During the Orgatec exhibition, Nendo created a full office suite, including single and bench desks, soft seating and high counters. Each furniture piece included “slots” where the rolling boards could be fixed into, therefore creating a board that has a practical as well as a stylish divider.

The desks and high counters also included side slots where bicycles could be stored. Ideal for employees who commute to work by bike, having the opportunity to store their cycle securely into their workstation. The wheels would then reflect the rolling board shape, becoming part of the décor, continuing the free flowing atmosphere.

Sound absorbing fabric is placed on the other side of the whiteboard, thus adding acoustic properties. The colourful fabrics add a splash of brightness within the office, colours can also be mentally stimulating, emphasising the creative effects they produce. The discs then become a fashionable, practical feature that not only creates a friendly, soothing environment, but also one that allows for the creative mind to work at its full potential.

The boards are also available in a variety of sizes, allowing them to be adapted to different parts of the office. For example, the smaller boards can be placed between bench desks, creating some privacy and the larger ones can be placed within soft seating modules to create a room divider. Having so many different rounded shapes around the room creates a setting that is similar to a solar system or universe, reflecting the title of the range: “Space”.

“Nendo” has created an office accessory that is not only visually stunning, but also extremely practical. The design creates acoustic benefits, allows for easy transportation and helps creative thinking amongst the team. The range is also great for anybody (like myself) who struggle to write in a straight line!

]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-working-from-home
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-working-from-home
The increase in Wifi and Cloud software systems has allowed “working from home” more accessible. Being away from the office setting, in a comfortable setting has its advantages as well as disadvantages, though. We were keen to look into this, finding the following results…

Advantages

Less Childcare costs

Working from home means that you won’t have to pay as much on childcare. The costs on play-school and after school clubs will be reduced as you will be able to look after your children personally.

Wider Pool of Applicants

Employees having the chance to work from home means that you are offering a chance for others to apply for positions. For example, somebody with disabilities, won’t have to worry about getting to the office. The chance to work for you is increased to a larger number of potential employees.

Increased Productivity & Motivation

There can be less interruptions at home, especially if the office space where you work is an open plan set up. The more peaceful atmosphere can mean that you manage to get more done without being distracted. Motivation can also be increased due to the cut in commuting and travelling time.

Financially Beneficial

There is less of a cost on office space. Less furniture is needed if the majority of staff can work at home. Less electricity is also used. It’s not only economical for the employer, the reduction in travelling time and costs is also beneficial for employees.

Environmentally Friendly

The reduction in travelling and staff commuting means there is less air pollution, protecting the planet more.

Disadvantages

Difficult to Monitor Performance

It is not easy for managers to monitor their staffs’ progress and performance without them being in the same office space. This is especially escalated if the job role requires a lot of “background duties” that can’t be monitored on a work’s system.

Decrease in Staff Integration

Working from home will mean that you get involved with the rest of the team less. There is less communication between employees which in turn, may decrease an element of team work amongst yourselves. It can also mean that you miss out on “everyday matters” at works, such as daily updates and possible promotions, as you become less involved.

More Difficult to Problem Solve

Simple problems, such as software issues, become more difficult to fix when you’re not in the office. It is more difficult and takes longer to try and help someone over the phone than it would be in person.

Increase in Telecommunication Costs

The amount that you are likely to use your own telephones increase when working from home. Not being around any of your colleagues will also mean that the phones are used more often.

There are more Distractions

There could be an increased amount of distractions faced at home. Factors such as noisy neighbours, family or friends will mean that your productivity and concentration levels may drop. You could be disrupted more than you may think!

You Never Leave Work

Staying at home will mean that you “never leave the office”. This could mean that it becomes more difficult for you to “switch off” from the work that you produced that day. All this may increase your stress and worry levels.

There are plenty of advantages as well as disadvantages when it comes to “working from home”. There are mental health and financial benefits that are difficult to ignore. However, there are also disadvantages to the concept that aren’t easily overlooked either. Balance seems to be keen here, depending on the person you are, yourself!

Is working from home more advantageous for you? Make sure you let us know in the comments below!

]]>Mon, 30 Jan 2017 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/our-top-5-christmas-trees-to-spot-in-london
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/our-top-5-christmas-trees-to-spot-in-london
We are so very close to Christmas now and we are all feeling the festive spirit, very much at the office. Our tree has been decorated and the workplace is looking like a winter wonderland! Continuing the festive mood that we find ourselves in, we have had a look at what the capital has decided to do for the festivities, in particular what “feature” trees they have on display. Having seen so many inspiring ones (really putting our little tree to shame in the lobby), we have narrowed our favourites to a “Top 5” list. Come take a look…

“Fighting Fire with Ice Cream” by Alex Chinneck

British sculptor Alex Chinneck created a giant “ice cube” with a tree inside it at King’s Cross this year. The artist’s impressive sculpture stands at 17 ft tall and is adorned with 1200 lights. The ice effect is created with resin that “trickles” into the fountains on Granary Square, emphasising the illusion of melting ice. Chinneck may have used the tree being “stuck in a melting block of ice” as a symbol of new beginnings that a new year often promises…. Truly inspiring!

“I wanted to create an installation for King’s Cross that was visually and theatrically intertwined with the fountains of Granary Square.”

“Victorian Iron Tree” by StudioXAG

Situated in the V&A Museum, the tree takes Britain back to her industrial heritage. The iron structure is a significant reference to the Industrial Revolution and the decadent attention to detail within the sculpture highlights the “Gothic” obsession that the Victorians loved so much.

"Upside-Down Christmas Tree" by Shirazeh Houshiary

Hung in Tate Britain, the Christmas tree has a little twist: It’s upside-down! Keeping the decorations to a minimum, Houshiary ensure that the main focus becomes the natural elements of the tree itself; the colour, texture, smell and shape. The talented Iranian artist has enforced focus on the roots by making them gold, highlighting where “the source of life comes from”. Being suspended between the gallery floors, the exhibit allows the opportunity for viewers to see the feature piece from various angles.

“As the roots remain hidden, it is best to seek what is hidden than what is apparent.”

"Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2016" by Sir Jony Ive & Marc Newson

Over the last few years, it has been tradition for a designer to design the Christmas tree for the luxurious Claridge’s Hotel. Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson have created much more than just a tree this year and have instead installed a “Winter Forest” throughout the hotel lobby as you enter. Sir Jony Ive is the Chief Design Officer at Apple and Marc Newson is one of the World’s most influential industrial designers. Their magical, snow covered forest is a creation that emphasises what can be crafted when art and technology are infused. A magnificent masterpiece.

“Our aim was to create an all-enveloping magical experience that celebrates our enormous respect for tradition while recognising our excitement about the future ad things to come.”

"The Connaught Christmas Tree 2016" by Antony Gormley

Designed by British sculptor Antony Gormley, the impressive Western Red Cedar tree is 17.5 ft tall and originates from Shropshire. Situated outside the Connaught Hotel on Mount Street, rather than having decorated the outside of the tree, bright light ascends the tree trunk instead, creating a column of light. Taking a different approach to decorating a tree, having the trunk light up creates the illusion of the tree being struck by lightning, in turn creating a striking effect within the heart of Mayfair…. Beautiful!

“I want the tree to celebrate life and all its myriad forms. At this, the darkest time of the year and at a moment of global dysfunction, I hope this magnificent tree conveys a feeling of continuance and vitality.”

]]>Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/orgatec-2016
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/orgatec-2016Orgatec is a fantastic trade show that takes place in Cologne every 2 years. The show is a great opportunity for furniture traders and designers to show off their works and new products to visitors and potential buyers. A dream show for interior designers and furniture fanatics alike.

“Providing new perspectives, inspiring concepts and market-leading solutions for working environments.”

As the show is held at the end of October, it is often a good indication of what styles and trends are predicted for the following years. Having kept an eye on what was displayed this year, we have found the following themes that are likely to be introduced into 2017…

Wood & Natural Materials

“Bringing the beauty of the outdoors In”

Many office furniture designers seem to have taken a great interest in nature. The idea of bringing the outdoors into the office has been a trend that has seen a rapid increase recently. Solid wood has become a popular material with furniture designers and Vitra, who displayed their “Cyl Office Landscapes”, was clearly no exception. The office system consists of tables and sofas that have a “homely” sense.

“A new office system intent on making people feel more comfortable and relaxed.”

Bralco seems to have taken the demand for wood finishes on board and displayed their fabulous “Rail” desk range. The retro style wooden frames can be combined with contemporary glass desk tops. The juxtaposition between the contemporary and traditional has been one of the most popular design choices. The furniture pieces that complement the executive desk are manufactured from solid wood veneers keeping the executive classical feel.

Dinensen’s “From Forest to Floor” stand created a centrepiece using a Douglas tree. The exhibition showed how to “meet the needs and dynamics of the future workspace based on the use of wood”. A meeting table has been extended from the Douglas trunk, almost as though “sliced” from the tree itself. Elements of the original bark remain as a reminder of its creator’s heritage. The display seems to show that although wood is a durable material, it is always important to remember how vital and beautiful nature is.

Other elements of nature were incorporated with the installation of plants, hanging vines, indoor parks and living walls. All of which emphasised the positive effects that biophilia can have on the office work environment as well as the planet itself.

Pastel Shades

“A taste for the subtle pallet”

One of the first things that we noticed when looking at the exhibition stands was the use of subtle, chalk-like colours, that were used on upholstered furniture and screens. It seems that office furniture designers are slowly moving away from bright and bold colours and towards more subtle finishes. The simple, softer colours, create a timeless effect, ones that would create a relaxed atmosphere within the office.

Girsberger displayed their “Diagon” swivel chair in these shades of colour. The infusions of the two-tone chalk effect, together with a white frame creates a soothing effect. One that is peaceful and aesthetically pleasing.

Arper displayed their “Catifa Chairs” is the same sense of style. The use of “Shell colours” portrays the popular design choice that seems to have flowed throughout the exhibition hall. Although simple in colour and design, the contrast of materials create a contemporary, mesmerizing product.

Lammhults also had a display that embraced the pastel shaded effect. The mixture of their Comet, Penne and Aperi were placed on their stand in subtle mixtures of pink, white and yellow. The yellow allowed for the attention to be drawn to the exhibition whereas the lighter colours on the upholstered pieces allowed the furniture to speak for itself… Subtle, yet elegant.

Acoustics

“Controlling sound levels with Style”

The demand and popularity for acoustic solutions has increased dramatically over the years. With office spaces becoming more open for collaborative workspaces, the need for private meeting spaces has grown. The popularity has brought forward some great, new ideas to create “rooms within rooms” and establish fantastic meeting spaces.

Interstuhl exhibited their TeamUP chair. The acoustic seating range is perfect for having meetings with colleagues in private or even working on your own quietly. Complete with a writing tablet, the chairs can be linked to each other and have wheels for easy mobility. Although going against the favoured pastel shades, the bright colours that they are able to manufacture, guarantee the creation of feature points around the office. The collaborative benefits are endless for the team, making the product a very effective, practical solution.

Senator is another company to watch when it comes to acoustic solutions. Displaying their “Round Cell Pod” and incorporating their very practical seating range, their grand display showed the many ways in which you can create an effective meeting space without compromising any structural elements of the building. The pods themselves can also include lighting and air conditioning to keep the interiors as comfortable as possible.

Acoustic pioneers Buzzispace revealed their new lamp shades at the exhibition this year. They showed that acoustic solutions don’t have to end with panels and pods. Noise that is travelling through open spaces can also be controlled with lighting as Buzzispace has shown with fantastic, elegant designs. Adding something “personal” they displayed their BuzziBell range, designed by Chris Hardy. The stylish design offers a look that would create a soothing atmosphere in any environment, whether it is an office, a restaurant or a domestic space.

Meeting Spaces

“Comfortable areas where you can work together”

The breakout furniture ranges that were displayed at the show seem to combine all the themes together. From natural elements, to using pastel colour shades and the use of fabrics for acoustic purposes, they showed it all!

Normann Copenhagen’s "Ace Chairs" are a great example where all these themes were combined into one range. The frames are wood, the fabrics used on the displayed chairs created a warm, relaxing atmosphere and they were upholstered in soothing, subtle colours.

The same look could also be seen at In Mezzo’s display of their “For Now” seating range. The range, designed by Chris Liljenberg Halstrom seems to embrace the natural elements with a light wood frame and simple neutral colour fabrics. It seems that it is simplicity that makes the seating range so elegant and inspiring.

“Buzzispace” revealed their new concept of a meeting space solution with their “BuzziJungle”. The vertical conversation tower must have been one of the main topics of conversation at Orgatec, mainly due to being such a revolutionary concept.

“Inspired by nature, BuzziJungle offers a solution to the conventional meeting space”

To hold a meeting within the “jungle” you can climb onto the structure and interact with each other from different levels and sit or lounge comfortably. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional workplace, the “jungle” allows for a casual, relaxing breakout space.

Orgatec 2016 definitely didn’t falter in showing us great, inspiring designs and giving us all an idea of what type of trends are likely to follow into 2017. I cannot wait to see what themes will be displayed at the next one!

]]>Fri, 2 Dec 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/open-or-private-the-office-dilemma
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/open-or-private-the-office-dilemma
As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, the designs of office space has changed dramatically over the years, especially after a backlash felt over the 1980s and 90s. The “Google Office” concept has taken over the office interior industry by storm over the last few years… LEGO HQ has been one of the big players having incorporated this concept into their office space, as well as Yahoo, Facebook and Linkedin. Businessman Michael Bloomberg once stated that the open plan office layout “promoted transparency and fairness”, encouraging a productive and friendly environment to work in.

“About 70% of US Offices have low or no partitions, according to the International Facility Management Association.”

Is it the most practical design though? Is it for everyone? Keen to look into this, we have gathered some information, gathering the advantages and disadvantages for you and finding the following results…

The Advantages of an open plan office layout

Shari Parsons Miller wrote an article for the “Houston Chronicle” expressing what they think the advantages of having an open office are. She explains that an open office “rids the sense of isolation”. This, in turn, encourages team work amongst employees. Friendships amongst colleagues will also be strengthened, which will make them more inclined to work effectively together.

“A lack of walls or other physical barriers in open-plan office spaces makes it easier for employees to interact with each other on a regular basis.”

Arguably one of the most important advantages of an open plan office is the cost effectiveness. The open layout will mean there is no need for construction work to create office spaces. The maintenance required is also less as there are fewer rooms to deal with. Bench desks are a cost effective technique to use when creating work space and often work out more economical as opposed to single desk systems.

“Things are easier for the supervisors, as everyone is in a centralized area.”

Paul Smith at Searchofficespace.com has mentioned having an open space makes it easier for both the staff and management. There is no need for anybody to search around individual offices in the hopes of trying to track anybody down, thus making the communication between teams easier and more efficient.

Open offices can also be more “adaptable”. It is easy for the office to be changed around should you require it, without the restrictions caused by office dimensions. Perfect for any new starters or when you fancy a change of “office scenery”.

The Disadvantages of an open plan office layout

The expression “swings and roundabouts” comes to mind. Of course, it is difficult to please everybody and designing an office space is no exception. Lindsey Kaufman wrote an article for the Washington Post in 2014 and that was the inspiration for this blog. I have never really thought about how much of an effect the office layout could have on individual employees!

“A 2013 study found that many workers in open offices are frustrated by distractions that lead to poorer work performance.”

Kaufman wrote the article explaining her dislike towards the open office concept. One of the main issues that has been addressed is the amount of “excess noise” that seems to travel across the office. This is a subject that other articles we found, seem to mirror.

The “noisy set up” has also been mentioned by Sravani at “Content Wisestep”. They confirm that a louder environment often arises when “all employees start to talk at the same time”. This, in addition to frequent phone calls, is what could be a major cause of distraction and frustration for those who like to work a little quieter.

Another problem that we found was the “difficulty to climatize to everybody else’s needs”. Having a few members of staff in the one room will make it difficult for everyone to agree with the air temperature… Some might feel the cold more than others. This could spark disagreements between employees regarding the air conditioning or whether the windows are opened or closed… All showing how difficult it really is to please everyone!

“A lack of privacy” has been mentioned as a disadvantage throughout the articles that we found. Having everyone so close to you may make you somewhat self-conscious. The feeling that your every move and your screens are being monitored and that every phone conversation is being listened to may make you feel uneasy. The “Big Brother is watching you” effect that could be created may become a huge disruption, lowering morale and therefore productivity in the office may suffer.

Lastly, another problem that we found is that the open office layout creates an environment that makes you prone to illness if one (or more) of your colleagues is unwell. The large, open space makes it easier for germs to spread amongst the team. Although working in friendly, close quarters has it’s perks, managers could become more likely to find employees becoming sick at the same time.

The Possible Solutions

There are of course 2 sides to every argument. So what could designers do to create a “middle ground”. We have seen a sharp increase in demand for acoustic products. Wall and ceiling tiles can be incorporated into the office space to control the noise levels within the office. The designs of such products are now colourful, bright and creative, as well as practical, to ensure that they fit into any office workspace. There has also been an increase in demand for “acoustic meeting pods”, which are ideal for private meetings and a chance to “get away from it all”. Another great advantage of these “rooms within rooms” is that no building work is needed within the space.

]]>Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-design-layout-a-timeline
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-design-layout-a-timeline
As we draw closer to the end of 2016 (and what a year it has been), we are interested in what trends are likely to take off in 2017, sparking a conversation with our MD. The conversation soon developed into us all discussing what the “trends” were in relation to office layout designs, back in the day when they first became involved in the office interior industry.

“The open plan revolution was mainly driven by technology. Cellular offices weren’t geared up to provide all the data and cabling so it was cheaper to fit out a big open space than a lot of smaller ones.”

The evolving technology that we all depend on these days seems to be the main contributing factor for the change in the office environment “set up”. Despite technology getting smaller, there appears to be more of it, which has adapted the office into an “open office space” that is now a popular choice.

Always keen to know more, we have looked into this further. Throughout our research, we came across a fantastic article called the “Human Spaces Report” by Professor Sir Cary Cooper. This outlines the interior design patterns and what the trends’ influences were through the years. Using this as our “foundation”, we found the following information:

1900s – Steeled for a Revolution

Using the “Larkin Administration Building” as an example, Cooper explains that throughout the early 1900s, the “Steel Girder” was the main factor for creating the “open office” that became the favourable office design choice during this period. The revolutionary construction technique allowed for larger spaces to be built and utilised.

“Primitive office layouts were straight, linear and heavily influenced by the manufacturing industry.”

“Open Workplace Design” mentions that Frederick Taylor is “credited with being one of the first people to design an open space”. Taylor’s design soon became the favoured technique throughout the early 1900s. The layout involved had an open space where workers were gathered together and was overlooked by separate management offices on higher floors.

1960s – “Bürolandschaft” and the Dawn of the Office Landscapes

The open office concept was implemented and favoured up until the mid-1900s. The concept was created by architects and designers who were trying to “make the World a better place”. However the idea of such a set up changed into the 1960s and the idea of having workstations as “cubicles” was introduced to “put some soul back in”… The idea of Bürolandschaft (translation: Office Landscape) was born.

German design group “Quickborner” introduced partitions for privacy within the office. I am assuming this is where the German term comes from! “Herman Miller” began to sell modular components in 1968, following the popular trend. The idea of having the department groups together became a favoured choice of design as it was thought that the clusters would encourage an organisation within certain settings.

1980s – Into the Box

During the 1980s, the notion of having higher levels of privacy in the office went further again and each individual was given their own “cubicle” to work in. The “Into the Box” movement became a widespread choice, particularly in the US.

Dubbed the “Cubicle Farm” by “Morgan Lovell”, it is thought the idea was born “out of the reality that human resource departments, supervisors, senior managers and directors were less interested in the well-being of their workers than they were in their profitability”.

It certainly wasn’t a popular choice with employees, who soon began to feel a sense of isolation, which in turn diminished their productivity and team morale.

2000s – Coffee Shops & Fun

Jumping into the Millennium, the idea of “not needing to be in the office” became a reality. The increase in wireless technologies' availablility meant staff were able to work either at home or at other locations, such as cafés, away from the office.

“The vast technological advances of the previous 2 decades have finally allowed for virtual and hot desking to come into their own, all in all allowing for a much friendlier office environment.”

Keeping the idea that workers were happier working away from the office, designers began to create office spaces that felt “homely”. They were keen to produce an environment that employees would want to work in, ensuring that they could “be themselves and thus allowing their creative juices to flow”.

2010s – Biophilia and Collaboration

In the last couple of years, designers of office space have been extending the idea of “fun and play”. With the Planet’s welfare being a big topic over recent years, designers have been keen to incorporate elements of nature with human activity (biophilia) to encourage “well-being and collective problem solving”, creating a happy and productive workspace.

“Developments in modern office design is that layout is no longer designed with the employer in mind, instead the needs of the employee are paramount.”

A more “casual” approach towards office design is the current theme. There has been an emergence of breakout seating areas for meeting spaces and acoustic pods for confidentiality and quiet, peaceful areas.

“High performance is becoming synonymous with environments that are well connected with nature and allow us to connect with each other.”

The “open” working space seems to have made a comeback. It encourages a friendly atmosphere amongst employers and employees, boosting morale and productivity. It’s almost like the design of office spaces has gone full circle! What design trends will follow in the future? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/workspace-by-tom-dixon
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/workspace-by-tom-dixon
As you probably have gathered by now, British designer Tom Dixon is by far one of my favourite creators. I have written about his Clerkenwell exhibition and his Bronte Restaurant in London and I found out today that he has recently launched an office suite collection called Workspace… Imagine my joy! I was so happy to discover this as it means that I can passionately write about it all and in turn, hopefully, give you something to enjoy reading!

“The pieces are intended to provide function and flexibility whilst being attractive enough to be on show in living spaces.”

One of the main furniture pieces in the office collection is the “Slab School Desk”. Using a traditional Victorian style of design that has been used for hundreds of years, Dixon has taken something practical and traditional and has created something contemporary.

“Inspired by the archetypical Victorian school desk.”

Constructed from solid oak, keeping to a traditional and durable material, the desks are softened by the implementation of round edges and understated proportions. These beautiful assets also ensure that they are adaptable to any workspace or any room, as a hotel desk or dressing table for example.

The desks also come with a cable management hole and a groove for pens, accessories and even make-up! This all emphasises the link between beauty and practicality, creating an everlasting finish and style in true Tom Dixon fashion. Of course, what better chair would be better than the “Y Chair” to complement all this? Simply amazing!

Dixon, being the master of light design, has of course also introduced a desk light that fits right in: The Boom Task Light. Taking inspiration from “generations of draughtsman’s chairs and machinist lamps”, the Boom Task Light has a sleek, simple design that makes a connection between elegance and machinery. The light shows that technology can also be aesthetically beautiful.

The minimalistic composition is a great attribute of the desk, reflecting the same fashionable design. The cylinders on the lamp reflect the rounded corners of the desk beautifully, allowing both design choices to flow as one. This creates a primary feature in any room. Oh, did I mention that it is also gorgeous?!

Like any fashionable outfit, no office would be complete without accessories! Dixon has taken every last detail into consideration when it comes to this collection and has even re-vamped his “Cube Stationary” range. The simplistic, elegant style is transferred into the “Cube Alloy” collection. With stationary that looks this incredible, you’re not going to need anywhere to store them as you’re going to want to show them all off!

Moving away for the dream of a “paperless office” Dixon seems to want to encourage us to continue with manual stimulation that an analogue life seems to provide in an office environment. The zinc alloy finish that has been incorporated creates a sense of “authority and permanence to any work situation”, which is a good mentality to have when working on something! The zinc element also flows from the stationary to the light fitting, possibly making the connection between writing that is achieved by a person, to light that is achieved through technology.

The office collection seems to create a sense of “immortality”. From a traditional style desk, a fashion that has become everlasting, to zinc alloy accessories that are infinite and fit for the future, I think it is the flowing mix between the conservative and futuristic style that Dixon creates that takes my breath away. I’m truly in awe!

]]>Thu, 13 Oct 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-united-mid-century-makeover
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-united-mid-century-makeover
The UN building in New York has been going through a refurbishment over the last few months and the United Nation’s General Assembly’s Office has been a focal point over the last few weeks due to the incorporation of mid-century Danish design.

Several furniture pieces have been donated by the “Republic of Fitz Hansen” wanting to keep to a theme, embracing the Danish heritage of furniture design. The office is currently occupied by the President of the UN, Mogens Lykketoft, who is Danish himself.

The building in which the UN resides was built in 1952 in New York The majority of the furniture components that were chosen to be incorporated within the makeover, are items that have been interior design favourites since the 1950s. The time period chosen reflects the time that the building was constructed.

The UN has made a timeless impact on the World since it was set up and so too have the featured furniture designs. The combination of both of these is reiterated throughout one of the most important offices in the building, leaving an everlasting effect.

One of the main mid-century Danish seating marvels that have been donated is the “Swan Chair”, designed by Modernist designer and architect Anne Jacobsen. The Swan chair has been an interior design favourite since its debut in 1958. The curvaceous design of the chair creates a fantastic centre piece within the office. A great mix between a classic style creating a contemporary look.

Another Modernist designer who has played a role in the refurbishment is Poul Kjaerholm. His “PK31 Modular sofa and armchair” have been donated to create a seating area. The seating arrangements are complemented by the wood topped “PK51 desk” (1957) and “PK61 glass coffee tables” (1955) to complete the set.

Behind the PK51 executive desk there is a high back version of Jacobson’s “Oxford Chair” (originally designed in 1965 for St. Catherine’s College in Oxford), upholstered in the same leather finish as the Swan chairs to continue the flow of traditional colour choices.

Dignitaries who have the honour of convening with the President have the privilege of sitting on a “Series 7” plywood chair. The Series 7 chairs are a more recent design (1995), designed by Fritz Hansen. Using a more recent chair could be an emphasis on the ongoing legacy that both the UN and the design of the furniture piece have been achieving over the years.

The purpose of choosing the neutral colours was to ensure that main they would to coincide with the wall panelling in the office, gifted to them by Australia. Judging from the images, this was certainly achieved! The neutral colour choice will also ensure that the office will remain timelessly fashionable for the future, continuing a legacy.

“To have a really beautiful Danish imprint on this office for the future will give a glimpse of the best of Danish furniture design for anyone coming inside the President’s office in the future”.

]]>Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sitt-sknt
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sitt-sknt
The Swedish postal service, “PostNord Sverige”, launched their “Sitt Skönt” (Sit Comfortably) postal stamp collection in 2014. The stamps are a celebration of some of their favourite furniture pieces that have been produced from 1940 through to 2002. They had chosen 5 designers and each stamp represents the designer and one of their main feature pieces, embracing their national pride in furniture design in the same way that we embrace our pride for the monarchy. The featured designs were:

Gunilla Allard’s Cinema Chair - 1993

“Where form meets function”

The Cinema Range was designed by Gunilla Allard and launched in 1993. The set includes a sofa, armchair and foot stool. Allard’s main inspiration for this fantastic seat was the “comfort and quality stitching often found in sports cars”. The simple design adds an element of “retro” style that creates the timeless finish that has been highly desired over the years. The comfortable lounge seat would be perfect to use in a home theatre due to the large seat and quality fabric offering plenty of comfort. What more would you want in your living space?

Yngve Ekström’s Lamino – 1956

”Best Swedish furniture of the 20th Century”

Since it’s creation, the “Lamino” seating range has remained popular in Sweden with the production of the sets having been continuous since. The designer who created this masterpiece is Yngve Ekström, co-founder of “Swedese Möbler”. The furniture collection consists of a chair, a footrest and a side table. Different frame and upholstery finishes are available to complement any living space, offering remarkable comfort. Isn’t it amazing that something so simple in design can become such a great feature in any space? Truly, a work of art!

Carl Malmsten’s Lilla Ålland – 1940

“Representing excellent Swedish 20th Century design on many occasions”

Designed by Carl Malmsten and manufactured by “Stolab”, the “Lilla Ålland” chair has been in popular demand since 1940. The design of the chair has made them compatible to any space on any occasion. Malmsten was inspired by a visit to Finström Church, in Ålland, where stick back chairs were lined up. Making his own adjustments and drawing out the design based on this, his own creation was born. The chair is an ideal piece of furniture for use in cafes, restaurants, dining rooms and well, anywhere!

Anna von Schewen’s Hug Chair – 2002

“A solid reputation as one of Sweden’s most progressive, experimental designs”

“Hug” was designed by Anna von Schewen in 2002 in her Stockholm designs studio, which was founded in 1997. The armchair is manufactured in solid natural beech and can also be stained. The seat is then upholstered in fabric or leather and the frame is a chromed steel tubing. The chair is also designed to be stackable, which adds practicality to the lovely design. The name of the chair seems to represent the style of the chair, The arms “surround the user” creating the sense that you are being hugged. All in addition to the comfort offered by the padded seat, it is almost like a chair you could snuggle into! It has already become one of Sweden’s favourites and it is fast becoming one of mine!

Mats Theselius’s Aluminiumfåtöljen – 1990

“It belongs to the real Swedish classics”

Mats Theselius designed the Aluminiumfåtöljen chair in 1990. Using a contrast of materials, that are fused together, the chair is produced by “Källemo”. The main wooden frame is covered with polished or matt brushed aluminium. The arms carry through onto the back of the chair and are manufactured from natural beech. The variation of materials create a striking effect and the chair is hugely popular in private as well as public spaces.

]]>Fri, 2 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/this-chairs-the-ball
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/this-chairs-the-ball
After 3 years of working here, at Office Reality (I know, doesn’t time fly?) and always having a huge interest in furniture and interior design, there is one chair that has never been far from my mind- the Ball Chair.

Designed by Finnish designer Eero Aarino in 1963 the chair is also known as the “Globe Chair”. The 1960s was a period where the use of plastic and fibreglass materials was becoming more frequently accessible. Aarnio was the first designer to start using the technology available at the time alongside the above materials to create furniture masterpieces, creating a “room within a room”.

Unconventional and simple in design, the fibreglass ball is built on a metal swivelling base and upholstered inside with foam and fibrefill. The original fabric colours were black, orange, red and white. The main aim and purpose for the chair was to create a “cosy and calm atmosphere” that protects the user from outside noises and gives them a private space for relaxing. The type of environment that would be ideal for a phone call as telecommunication was a fast growing opportunity for the majority of the population during the 1960s so the timing of the chair was perfect.

Much like Porky Hefer’s Black Hole, the chair was designed to create a space where you could get comfortable, sitting within your own little World. A space where you could have time to reflect, think and relax. It also created a superior feature point within the living room space. Functionality and style, definitely my type of chair!

The Ball chair was designed around modern, everyday situations with the use of modern materials and technologies. It is almost like the chair has represented the modern times that the 60s generation found themselves in- a period of fun and change.

“The idea of the chair was very obvious. We had moved to our first home and I had started my freelance career in 1962. We had a home, but no proper big chair, so I decided to make one.”

Since being presented at the International Furniture Fair, Cologne in 1966 the Ball chair has received well deserved praise and recognition, becoming an instant success within the design and furniture industry.

The original chair is still at Aarnio’s home and includes a telephone that sits within the chair itself. People have been known to have integrated speakers as well! You would never have to get out of your seat!

“It is something between a piece of furniture and a piece of architecture and at the same time embodies both the mobile and the established, the fixed.”

Aarnio remains one of the pioneers utilising plastic within industrial design. Over the years he has shown the freedom of possibilities that designers can achieve with plastics and fibreglass materials, moulds and shapes.

Now often seen in films, TV shows and magazines, the Ball chair has become one of the industry’s favourite timeless classics. If time continues to fly past like it has done over the next few years, you will probably being saying the same about me here at Office Reality!

]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/areas-good-enough-to-wait-in
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/areas-good-enough-to-wait-in
Airports are becoming larger and a lot more of the Global population are travelling by plane these days. Who can blame them? It’s faster and more convenient! One of the hassles that we come across during flight travel though is waiting around the terminals. Airport designers ensure that through the use of furniture design, shops and restaurants the waiting time in airport spaces are an experience rather than an uncomfortable occurrence.

With the rapid increase in passengers, more seating is required within airport terminals. Unfortunately delays are sometimes inevitable for airlines so it is important the furniture ensures delayed or waiting travellers are comfortable and appreciate the environment that they are in. This can be achieved through the style of seating and the facilities given to them.

Beam seating has been a favourite for the airport interior design industry over the last few decades due to practicality. Keeping style and feasibility in mind, Charles and Ray Eames inspired the industry with their “Eames Tandem Sling Seating” that was installed into O’Hare Airport in 1962- a time when international air travel was more accessible and popular.

Addressing the “need for comfortable, attractive and sturdy public seating” their design was based on “The Sling System” that was also developed for their aluminium group chairs.

Making sure that the beam seating was “inviting” for passengers to use, Eames used a modern, sleek style with quality leather. The aluminium frame style, creating a curvaceous structure, emphasised the “flow of air” that is continuously circulated around the large terminal space.

The extra wide, padded seats ensured that the consumers were comfortable and there was plenty of space available for their luggage underneath the seats. The leather was practical for the upkeep as it was easy to clean and maintain and the stitching detail added an element of sophistication.

As with a lot of the Eames furniture triumphs, the style of the beams has since become a timeless classic. They were comfortable, practical and a pleasure to look at whilst waiting for a flight. Keeping the passengers in mind, the seating system really set the benchmark for airport seating, a design idea that has been carried through to today.

So what are airports doing now to accommodate the influx of their tourists?

To accommodate their tired passengers, in 2013 Helsinki Airport provided “GoSleep Pods” within the terminal. They were the first European airport to provide their passengers with this ability and they have seen wonderful results since. They are designed by Finnish company “Uni Solutions Ltd”, their main aim; to take the stress out of travelling.

“We wish to provide passengers with an opportunity for stress-free travel and a nap between flights.”

To catch up on some much needed rest, travellers are able to “rent time” in a quiet, comfortable pod. Blankets and other accessories are available for purchase to make the experience even better. This beats trying to sleep on a beam system, or even the floor! The cosy pod will ensure that consumers are relaxed, caught up on sleep and this therefore makes the flight experience more enjoyable overall.

Another fantastic airport that has been designed with their visitors in mind is the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. It utilises high ceilings, art installations and expansive concourses to create an element of grandeur. It’s incredible!

In addition to a gold plated coffee counter (seriously), the designers have also installed a variety of seating ranges to ensure that the visitors are able to experience the best possible time in the airport. Curves play a large part in the design of the seating areas, incorporating this into beam systems and breakout areas. The furniture used seems to complement the “flowing” style of the terminal building. The “curve” of the building creates a system where air is able to cross through the building freely (like Heathrow Terminal 5) and the seating areas are left with plenty of space and room to reflect this.

Sleek, thin and smooth seating styles eliminate the feeling of being “crowded” or “cramped” which usually comes from being surrounded by other passengers. This in turn reduces stress levels. There is a variety of different styles and configurations within the airport space. The mix between leathers and fabrics, contemporary and traditional are all very pleasing to look at. With all these beautiful furniture pieces, as well as the decor, restaurants and retail shops, you won’t want to board your flight!

Schiphol, in Amsterdam, seems to have gone a few extra (air) miles to accommodate their visitors too. Embracing the outdoor elements of nature, they have incorporated an “indoor park” within the terminal building. Despite being a large environment, a terminal building can make you feel claustrophobic and “trapped” when waiting for a flight. Wanting to move away from this illusion, the designers of the “Schiphol Airport Park” have created an indoor/ outdoor space that allows passengers to “get away”, relax and unwind.

The seating that has been used is “organically shaped” and natural shades of green are used as upholstery options. There are shades of timber, artificial trees and other natural features. With the use of “mixed reality technology” there are also sounds of children playing, birds singing and projected butterflies, all creating the impression of being in an outdoor space, despite being indoors.

Artificial logs are placed in the “park area” to be used as benches and real timber is used on others. The soft seating areas are placed together, almost aerodynamically, to create plenty of places to sit without compromising space. Walking through this area is like taking a stroll through the park.

“Travellers are encouraged to grab a snack and a drink, then sit down in either the indoor or outdoor portion of the park to take in a bit of “nature” before heading to their destination.”

Extending to the outdoors, the Schiphol Park has carried on the “natural theme” onto a roof terrace. The benches that are placed here have ivy growing out of them. Fusing a growing plant onto the metal structure emphasises the power that nature has, having ivy “take over” a man-made structure. The oxygen levels are also increased through photosynthesis, thus relaxing the passengers sat on or around the ivy benches listening to the iron birds in the sky.

As the sleek design of aluminium and fine leather will continue to be a favourite style for airport interiors, it is becoming more evident that airport furniture designers are keen to keep up with customers’ needs and demands. Wi-Fi, USB charging and cup holders are popular features to be incorporated into the beam seating choices. The main focus will be ensuring that there is plenty of space, comfort and an enjoyable experience for everyone passing through. This is making me want to go on holiday!

]]>Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-stadium-that-amplifies
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-stadium-that-amplifies
It’s 2016 and the UEFA Euro games are in full swing! It hasn’t just been the players and the fans that have been offering us all the highlights though, one of the stadiums in France has also taken centre stage! Situated in Lyon, the “Stade de Lyon” has been built for the Olympique Lyonnais football club and has been hosting the Euro games. Built by the masterminds behind the London Olympic Stadium, Populous, construction began back in 2012 and was completed in January 2016.

One of the most impressive features that the stadium possesses is the roof. Constructed from an innovative material called “Precontraint TX30”, developed by “Serge Ferrari”, the flexible fabric spans over 53,700 square metres and amplifies the noise levels within the stadium. The noise that is created by the fans plays one of the largest parts in creating the atmosphere during a football match and this roof makes sure that they are able to make the most of the ambience that is created.

Football fans, especially around Lyon where it is seen as tradition, are renowned for their chanting. Populous seems to have respected this tradition and created a stadium that allows them to make the most of this and achieve the best possible experience during matches. The roof traps the noise that is created by people inside the stadium without excess noise leaking out. I am sure the neighbours are loving it! Forget insulation, I think I need some of this at home so I don’t have to worry about bothering my neighbour with my poor music choices!

The roof spans over the main structure of the 4 level venue, providing shelter for guests who are waiting before and after football games. It is the extended roof that has led to a lot of people mentioning that the structure almost looks like a “turtle shell”, which reminds me of that childhood myth where the noise of the ocean is still trapped within a sea shell and that you can hear it when you rest the shell against your ear… The stadium roof structure amplifying the noise inside but not allowing it out almost seems to create the same thing!

“You’ve got four-storey volumes. These people are animating the space- they’re the noise, they’re the invigoration of it all.”

Consisting of 59,186 seats, of which 6000 are business seats and 105 lodges, the designers have made sure that the stadium’s guests are all catered for comfortably. Throughout the first and second floors there are fast food and restaurant venues that are easy to get to around the masses of fans. Decreasing the feeling of being “cramped” due to large crowds will only hamper the atmosphere for the guests, Populous has kept this in mind allowing the fans to be able to have some space and room to move.

“Parc Olympique Lyonnais is designed to offer better amenities than many other stadiums, to reflect the changing demographic of people who attend football games.”

The venue will be hosting 6 games during the Euro 2016 games, but the stadium was not designed and built just for these games. The building has been fitted out to cater for other sports, such as rugby, as well as events and concerts with the intention of re-fitting every couple of years.

The amenities that have been offered at the stadium are due to the fans and visitors having “higher expectations”, especially with the rise of ticket prices for the Euro 2016 games and the design of the stadium has achieved just that. Offering the best possible experience for the public, this is a stadium that is not only making Lyon and France proud, but one that is certainly going to “wow” the rest of Europe, if not the World!

]]>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-2016
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-2016
Last week saw London’s great design show in Clerkenwell. Designers flocked from all over the World to exhibit their new ranges, brands and styles. Making use of the environments surrounding them, there was plenty to see and lots to admire! Unfortunately I was not able to attend this year, but keeping a close eye on the show over the last few days, I was able to take a few notes on some of the exhibitions…

Lollygagger Living Range

The first exhibition that caught my interest was the “Lollygagger Living Range”, designed by US based company Loll. This sleek looking plastic furniture is manufactured from recycled milk bottles and detergent packaging. The range consists of outdoor lounge chairs, tables and planters, ideal as patio sets. The word “Living” in part of the range’s title, could be a reference to “keeping things going” through recycling materials that would have otherwise been thrown away and wasted. The plastic materials are transformed into HDPE (High density polyethylene) by Metem. The HDPE material that is manufactured makes the furniture more durable to outdoor conditions.

When the furniture’s purpose has been achieved, the pieces can be recycled after their long lasting period of use thus emphasising that the life cycle of the range will always continue on.

“Every Lollygagger Lounge Chair produced prevents nearly 300 milk jugs from entering the waste stream and more than 95% of the waste from the manufacturing process is sent to recycling.”

For comfort, the style of the chairs are based on the same design and angles as the “Adirandack” chair, which can be seen as another factor that emphasises an ongoing process and keeps to a popular style of chair for use outdoors. The exhibition must have been an exciting one to see, not only due to the contemporary use of style and fantastic colours, but also due to the process of recycling with Earth’s welfare being on everyone’s mind.

Forpeople’s Keyn Office Chairs

London based design company, Forpeople designed a range of office chairs that are specially designed to accommodate users who tend to fidget… Sounds ideal for someone like me! Named the “Keyn” chair, the seating range is manufactured and styled with a flexible seat shell that remains in contact with the user as they move position whilst sat down. Working closely with “Herman Miller”, the designers at “Forpeople” ensured that they met the consumers’ needs and created this marvellous seating range.

“The Keyn Chair is designed to respond to a user’s movement, supporting their body as they move in their seat.”

With different colours and several configurations to choose from, the Keyn Chair is a fantastic seating range to add to the amazing Herman Miller collection… Practical as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Museum Of Making

White Arkitekter set up a temporary pavilion that invited local residents and visitors to “engage in the art of making”. A museum being a building in which “objects of historical, scientific, artistic or cultural interest are stored and exhibited” the name of this exhibition couldn’t be more spot on! The temporary pavilion was situated in the centre of the Clerkenwell festival, “celebrating Clerkenwell as one of the most important design hubs”.

The design of the pavilion was based on a Swedish barn, reflecting White Arkitekter’s Scandinavian heritage and integrating their agricultural roots into an urban surrounding.

“An active space showcasing the sensorial and social qualities of making.”

The structure of the museum used colours such as green, yellow and blue to represent the countryside. The open space that was created may also have emphasised that inspiration can come from anywhere, even fresh air. It may also have emphasised that there are no boundaries when it comes to the art of creation and design.

The Church

British designer Tom Dixon collaborated with the vicar of St James, Andrew Baughen to exhibit a large central chandelier, a co-working environment and a kitchen within the main space of the church. They were donated as permanent fixtures as the festival ended, keeping the design “magic” going. The co-working and meeting environment that was created also represented the communal place that churches were so often used as throughout earlier centuries.

Drawing the public into the 17th century church, Tom Dixon exhibited a fantastic chandelier with his “Curve” lighting range within the main part of the structure. Suspended from the ceiling, the public admire the artistic decorative ceiling as well as the contemporary lights. The gold finishes on the lighting complements the organ pipes and the natural light that comes through the stained glass window is subtly reflected from the cleverly designed lights. A design that underlines the idea that light and thus life is brought into the church.

The contemporary designs bring the 21st century and fuse this with the 17th century and in doing so represent the evolving change that the church is going through as time continues to flow.

The Moving Showroom

What would a design festival be without a furniture showroom that wasn’t constricted to one space…?! Dynamic Office Solutions attended the Clerkenwell Design Show in their mobile showroom in the form of an old London double decker bus (appropriately), nicknamed their “Popular Marketing of Mass Destruction”. Fitted out with a few examples of their fantastic furniture ranges, the on-the-move showroom showcased wonderful ranges and offered refreshments to their visitors. I just hope they didn’t receive a parking ticket!

“The aim of the Dynamic Bus was to have maximum exposure to the public and educate on top quality office solutions, as well as bring a bit of fun to good ol’ Clerkenwell.”

Being on-the-move, the showroom was able to drive around raising plenty of awareness and allowing interested visitors to have the showroom come to them. Ideal! Gracing London with some heritage in honour of the TFL, great contemporary furniture items, finishes and (hopefully) decent coffee.

These are of course only a few of the exhibitions that grabbed my interest last week. There was lots to admire and plenty to be inspired by! I will have to do my best to attend next year and be part of it all. London should be proud to have hosted such a lovely design week!

]]>Tue, 31 May 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/furniture-to-fly-for
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/furniture-to-fly-for
Stu-Art Aviation Furniture was created by Stuart Abbott and is based in North East England. This wonderful furniture company designs and manufactures “World leading aviation inspired furniture for homes, office and commercial use” using recycled parts of different types of aircraft.

“My aim at Stu-Art is to highlight the skill technique and craftsmanship that is invested into creating aircraft”

The bespoke furniture selection, named as the “Mile High Range”, is inspired by Abbott’s passion for deconstructing, recycling and redesigning parts of aircraft and creating high end furniture pieces for clients.

The range consists of clocks that are made from plane windows, executive and reception desks that are created around plane fuselages and coffee tables from jet engines. He has even created office chairs making use of plane seats… with the seat belt included! Just make sure that you don’t remove your seatbelt until the pilot switches the warning light off!

The materials that are used are parts of structures that would otherwise be regarded as scrap. Recycling what anyone else would see as “trash”, Abbott cleverly and skilfully uses his talents to convert these components into a stylish, practical piece of furniture. Some, like myself, may even say that the furniture is a work of art like the aircraft itself was previously! Stu-Art seems to keep the marvel of aircraft design alive.

“I pride myself on exceptional quality and customer service where I get to know my clients and build furniture that ultimately reflects their personality and lifestyle.”

I was very excited when I heard about this fantastic company! Being a big fan of aircraft and a furniture enthusiast, having the two combined is like a dream come true for me. I will certainly be asking my MD if we need a glass coffee table made from a Boeing engine in our lobby? If not, I am sure I could sway him towards having a reception desk designed around a plane’s Emergency Exit!

]]>Fri, 27 May 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-competitive-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-competitive-office
A little friendly competition with your colleagues can be the source of motivation you need to achieve great heights. It's also often a natural impulse. At the same time, constantly comparing yourself with a colleague can be self-defeating. We have all been there when a new colleague starts at your place of work and your automatically thinking is this person going to show me up (I know, hard to believe but even I’m not perfect).

It all depends on your personality and preference. If you want to be individually rewarded and you are motivated through achievement, then you will want some competition however if you are more communally focused and want your colleagues to be like a family, then you will prefer the collaboration.

It’s really up to you if you want a competitive work lifestyle. Here are some pros and cons to consider to help you decide:

PROS:

Competition ignites motivation to boost your performance and productivity, if the end goal is to outpace another colleague, you'll likely get more done than if you weren't in competition at all. Earning that win can also feel self-validating. Some companies have reward systems that encourage competition.

Competition reduces complacency pushing you out of your comfort zone. A competitive environment has no room for laziness. You're held accountable for your work and achievements, and failure to perform will leave space for your competitors to zoom ahead. Competition in general is a strong incentive to push yourself beyond your normal call of duty. In a competitive environment, employees are less likely to be bored.

Another pro to consider is that often more “Competition encourages quality and innovation.” In addition to being more productive, competitive colleagues are also under constant pressure to perform in new and offer potentially better ways. Some have said that competition is the mother of innovation. Organised competitive environments tend to reward those that stand out from the rest. Who can deliver the most unique and efficient sales technique? Simply doing your job well isn't enough to stand out. Beating the rest of the competition can encourage your employees to go above and beyond to improve their performance, differently and more efficiently.

CONS:

Constantly comparing yourself to others can fuel a sense of unhappiness. As the saying goes, "comparison is the thief of joy." Creating the competition will emphasise a thought that there's always going to be someone better than you, constantly chasing perfection is like a dog chasing its tail. Even if you do hit a home run at work, the satisfaction is often short-lived because it's on to the next challenge. This subconscious thinking unfortunately creates a hostile environment in the office.

A competitive work environment hinders collaboration. If every man is for himself, then he has little incentive to focus on the organisation's goals. Together, you and colleagues will have a much higher chance of beating out your top business competitors than if each of you is preoccupied with beating each other. Having a stronger team will create a stronger company.

“Competition is very good… As long as it’s healthy. It’s what makes one strive to be better.”

So leaving you on this note I believe that healthy competition can be a great thing to boost morale as long as it isn’t too competitive. It might be a good idea to set up challenges and targets to hit as teams, as well as individuals. Bringing individual targets as well as teamwork together will bring the workforce together and bring unity in the work place therefore more profit in the long run, as well as boost morale.

]]>Wed, 18 May 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/salone-del-mobile-design-week-milan-2016
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/salone-del-mobile-design-week-milan-2016
One of the greatest design events of the year was held in Milan last week, “Salone De Mobile”. Thousands of people gathered into the Italian city to admire works by designers such as Paul Smith, plastics furniture brand Qeeboo, Danish designer Vibeke Fannesberg Schmidt and many more! Having kept an eye on what was happening throughout the week and being very jealous of not being there myself, I have noted down a few of my own “highlights” of the show.

One of the exhibitions that caught my eye was “Knoll’s Gold Chair”. Based on Bertoia’s “Diamond Chair” the furniture designer manufactured the celebrated steel chair in a gold finish to mark Harry Bertoia’s centennial as he would have turned 100 in March. The masterpiece is constructed of welded steel rods and finished with 18 karat gold plating. The frame is then coated with a clear lacquer for protection.

“The option developed in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Platner Collection, paying homage to beryllium’s golden quality that Bertoia so favoured”

Another designer who caught my interest was Boris Klimek who launched his “Lollipop” light collection. The exhibition was an adaptation of his former “Balloons” collection and the design of the colourful glass lights represent candy lollipops where childhood memories are “captured”.

“We transform glass into breath-taking light and design experiences.”

Klimek experimented with the technique of slumped glass, exploring it’s wide possibilities in terms of glass colouring, glint and internal structure. The transparency creates a flow of natural as well as artificial light, creating the “candy” effect. The collection consists of pendant, standing and table lamps all in different shapes and sizes.

“The Lollipop Collection is based on moments of fascination with transparency and perception.”

Vitra’s “Colour Machine” was one of the most popular stands during the week. Bright colours and contemporary designs attracted the crowds as the exhibition designers used a playful technique to show off their pieces. The research project, in collaboration with Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, involved studying the properties and possibilities of the colours, textures, finishes and materials in the company’s product portfolio.

“Visitors encountered giant spinning tops twirling on the floor, which present the full range of Vitra materials”

The furniture pieces that were part of the display, including the iconic Eames plastic chair, were suspended as wheels from the ceiling as if in space. Having the suspended wheels and spinning tops moving around represented the products “coming to life”, creating a magical and colourful display of timeless furniture pieces.

Crystal brand Swarovski debuted their new homeware range at the design show, showing their new line of vases, bookends, candle holders and a centrepiece in honour of Zaha Hadid. Another beautiful piece that was launched was an architecturally themed chess set, referencing Daniel Libeskind’s studio buildings. A combination of marble, crystal and silver create the chess pieces, with the King resembling the architect’s Freedom Tower in New York. I want one!

“The Atelier Swarovski Home Range has been launched to address a global interest and customer demand for design objects within the name.”

Nendo’s “50 Manga Chairs” was an exhibition that nobody could get enough of! The installation for Friedman Benda drew a comparison between Japanese Manga comics and furniture design.

“Each individual chair characterizes a specific Manga drawing element. In effect, each piece becomes a section within a story board.”

Expressions are created through furniture design, each piece representing an aspect of an emotion or sound. The installation of the exhibition was set up in a historic cloister courtyard, using a historic setting to represent the traditional art of Manga and making a connection with the contemporary design of the chairs. The location emphasised how art and design can timelessly create emotion and expression.

Nendo designers have explained that the use of colour is intentionally avoided to ensure that the mirror effect reflects the real World, an element of “realism” that is often put across through the art of Manga.

These exhibitions don’t even cover half of the fantastic displays that were at the show this year. I am green with envy for anyone who was able to go! I am definitely going to have to try and get out there next year, I guess I will have to start saving up for the flights… or one of the Manga chairs! I am sure they won’t mind having one of those in our reception area!

]]>Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-eames-lounge-chair-a-timeless-classic
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-eames-lounge-chair-a-timeless-classic
This Easter I spent the weekend visiting the Mother in Reigate (I know, scored some “good son points” there!). Spending the Saturday wandering around town, window shopping, I came across a beautiful leather lounge chair. There was no confusing the design, it was definitely an Eames Inspired Lounge Chair in Black leather. Oh, it was beautiful! Having looked like a furniture geek to my Mum, I forced her to go in with me and take a seat. With my birthday fast approaching, I requested one as a present, but looking at the price tag it was laughed off…

However, since then I haven’t been unable to shake this stunning lounge chair from my mind! Taking my interest further, I could not help but want to blog about it. Figured you guys wouldn’t mind!

Designed by the furniture legends Charles and Ray Eames, the original lounge chair and ottoman was designed and manufactured for their good friend Billy Wilder in 1956. Their main inspiration stemmed from the notorious filmmaker using a makeshift chair to nap on in between takes.

“Why don’t we make an updated version of the old English club chair”

The chair is composed of 3 curved plywood shells: the headrest, the backrest and the seat. The base is aluminium. The leather seat was designed around the image of a baseball mitt, using distressed leather to create a traditional finish, complementing a contemporary design. The finished product has been an influential triumph in the furniture design sector since. The use of the “baseball mitt look” shows how they might have been inspired by a very popular national sport, and were proud of the heritage surrounding this.

“Eames was insistent on building a chair with the warm receptive look of a well-used baseman’s mitt”

The final product was debuted on “Arlene Francis’ Home Show” in 1956, televised on NBC. Furniture design and style was advancing towards change as fast as technology was!

It was not only the style and simple curves that transformed the way people viewed furniture. During a period of very sparce and minimal furniture, Eames was able to use the technology of “moulding plywood”, as used during the Second World War, to create the desired shape and effect. By applying heat and pressure, 5 thin layers of plywood moulded the shells and Brazilian rosewood veneer (discontinued in the early 1990s) was applied to this as the finish. The strength that is created by the heat and pressing of plywood also made the product lighter.

At present, Vitra, continue to manufacture the chairs with the same technique. These days 7 layers of plywood is used and other finishing veneers such as cherry, walnut and Palisander rosewood are applied since the discontinuation of the Brazilian rosewood. The Palisander rosewood has a very similar grain to the original finish, not straying the new designs too far away from the original workmanship and design. Other leather colours, such as black and ivory are also now an option which offers a great choice of variety and keeps the timeless fabrication alive.

The style and manufacturing process summed up contemporary change for the furniture industry. The look and design of the chair and ottoman has been an inspiration to the furniture design industry and one that is not likely to fade. It really is no wonder that the “American Icon” furniture set is in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Art. I want one!

]]>Thu, 31 Mar 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-dynamic-visit
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-dynamic-visit
We were graced with a visit from one of our favourite suppliers this week here at Office Reality HQ. Bringing their mobile showroom down to Somerset, in the form of an old London red double-decker bus no less, it is safe to say it was certainly a talking point!

The bus is equipped (on both levels) with several ranges of seating and furniture. The seating ranges are very cleverly fastened to the floor to avoid them from sliding around whilst driving. I am still not sure how though?! What a fantastic idea however!

As the Office Reality team hopped onto the bus we happily tried out task chairs and breakout seating, all part of a variety of different range levels. Discussing the different ranges, admiring the higher spec chairs and testing out all the gadgets, the presentation was very informative. In addition to Chicane playing in the background (good choice of background music might I add) there was also plenty of “banter” between us all. It was a huge pleasure to meet members of the Dynamic team and see the great products “in the flesh” as well. We were in our element!

“A great experience. Very insightful and extremely useful to see the product range up close. The quality of the chairs was also very impressive. We now feel more comfortable when talking to customers about these ranges, having seen the products”

After seeing the success of having such a great mobile showroom, my colleague is now discussing getting a VW campervan for Office Reality for the same purpose… Could be interesting, also unlikely (sorry Ben)!

Big thanks to the team who came down to see us! A lot of fun, very insightful and all very much appreciated!

]]>Thu, 31 Mar 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/lego-hq
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/lego-hq
Ever wondered what it would be like to work at the head office of a company that creates the all-time favourite toy, LEGO? Looking into this, it looks like it would be a dream come true! The main office is based in Billund, Denmark, but over the generations the company has spread globally and they even have one in London! The interior of each office is designed with the product itself as the main focus. Designers Rosan Bosch and Rune Fjord were the key players in the design process and plenty of work and energy went into making sure that enough imagination and creativity can be found within the employee’s surroundings.

Adaptable and colourful furniture is used all around the office. Much like the LEGO pieces themselves, making use of different seating configurations in breakout and meeting areas means the possibilities of seating and meeting arrangements are endless!

The display shelves are set up around the designers in their creative offices. Having used plain colours for the shelves, the designers are able to show off their own creations clearly and inspire others. Displaying their work is also a reminder that the creations are more than just a few “bricks” and that even the slightest bit of imagination will allow you to build anything. LEGO… Such an inspirational tool!

The interior design does not end there however… The designers who created these masterpiece office suites have even decorated the lighting! In the London office, they have used the recognisable LEGO brand colours, yellow and red. The yellow stair case is met with lights, shrouded with various LEGO pieces, that are predominantly red. The playful design is a fantastic feature and a great welcome for any guest as well as for anyone who works there. Creativity and fantasy immediately greet you on entry.

The main reception is based around the idea of being “between two LEGO piece themselves”. The lighting and internal structure creates the illusion that you are actually between two yellow LEGO bricks. The use of lighting and seating emphasises the structure of both particular pieces. This is definitely a new take on the “fish bowl” concept, which is a popular interior design choice.

The seating areas are equipped with LEGO pools, where the opportunity to grab a few pieces to create, well, anything really whilst having a break, is an option. You never know, some of the best ideas may come to you whilst taking a sip of your coffee! Having ensured that the imagination process does not end there, the designers have also “played with perceptions” and placed the oversized LEGO figures near bonsai trees and wall graphics are used to challenge scale. As Dezeen magazine explained:

“Who is big and who is small? Where does work stop and imagination start?”

Playing with perceptions and questioning our imagination within the office space shows us that the possibilities of the mind are no different to the creations that can be achieved with LEGO.

“A working environment where fun, play and creativity are paramount and where the physical design gives the adults a chance to be part of children’s play”

The open plan office space allows for the team to be able to work together, with fantasy and imagination having free rein. The use of glass “opens up” wall space, expanding the free space that is available for the mind. Playful colours are used to engage brain activity and reflect the LEGO bricks that designers may be engaging with. It looks pretty too! Unfortunately the building is not built from LEGO pieces, the main structure is plaster and the colours used are themed around the industry’s products.

Denmark is no stranger to great design in architecture or interiors and LEGO HQ is no exception. I am now thinking that I would be just as excited about seeing the head office as I would going to Legoland in Windsor… And that is saying something!

]]>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/valentines-team-building
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/valentines-team-building
It’s the run up to the day of love, Valentine’s Day. My efforts to feel a little less lonely on the day have failed. My idea to go out for a meal with somebody was shot down. Apparently having a meal at our local KFC does not fall into the category of “romantic”… I know right?! I even thought the fact that it would be candle lit would make it acceptable! So, in my misery, I became intrigued as to what workplaces would be doing for this beautiful day. Stumbling across a few articles, some of which were quite bizarre, the majority of them had a few good ideas to turn the day into a “team building exercise” in the office. Here are a few of the activities that have been suggested:

Decorations

Decorating your own workspace with Valentine’s day related pictures and artefacts. Apparently dressing up the workspaces would show off a bit more of your personality… There is a lot of fun in dressing up the room as well so would make a great team exercise. Although my colleague Ben whinges at me enough for invading his workspace as my work always seems to wander across from my desk to his, so I will probably only end up decorating his and cramping his personal style!

Secret Valentine’s

Exactly the same as a “Secret Santa” in the workplace, but obviously with Valentine’s Day related presents pulled from a hat. For a small price budget, a name is pulled out with a colleague’s name on it and you all buy each other a little gift. Cute! The best part of this activity would be that nobody feels any less loved in the office and with receiving gifts, everyone is a winner!

Cupcake Contest

It’s always fun to bake! Although the clearing up part isn’t the fun bit… The idea is that if you have a kitchen area with baking facilities, all colleagues bring in baking essentials and have a “Great Company Bake Off”. The team work involved in baking is incredible and there’s cake at the end! Just make sure that you don’t throw flour at anyone, it will just mean that you volunteer yourself to clear everything up!

Bring In Flowers

Bouquet arranging… Fun, right? For this team activity, everyone comes into work with a bunch of various flowers and a vase. All flowers are then cut and laid together for everyone to then make their bouquet arrangement that they can take home with them. Everyone has a bunch of flowers for themselves (or to then pass to their wives)… Yeah, you’re right, I’m not too sold on this one either!

Dancing

Setting aside the desks and chairs to create a dance floor area for the team to get a groove on. With some music playing (I am sure none of my suggestions will be allowed, not everyone here at Office Reality is a big fan of Trance and moan enough about my music being too loud in my car) it is a chance for employees to have a dance together. Creating a more casual environment for employees (and employers if they fancy showing off some dance moves) this is a great technique for everyone to get to know each other a bit more. It is definitely something different!

I can’t help but wonder how many companies will be doing any of these for Valentine’s Day… It does sound like fun! I am not sure we will bother here though, being predominantly male I do not see any of my colleagues agreeing to bake cupcakes or flower arranging. As for the dancing, they will disagree with that knowing that I would just show them all up anyway. Guess we will just have to wait until Easter to do something as a team... I am sure they will all agree to an Easter Egg hunt!

Whatever you are doing yourselves, have a great Valentine’s Day!

]]>Fri, 12 Feb 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pets-at-office-animals-in-the-workplace
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pets-at-office-animals-in-the-workplace
There has been a lot of debate recently about whether it would be beneficial for employees to have pets around the workplace. I have mentioned to my MD that we should invest in an office parrot, but apparently having my colleague Dan as the office mascot is “having a pet already”… Fair enough! I guess a parrot would be a bad idea anyway due to my allergies (details, details).

In Japan there are numerous companies who are more than happy to have pets in the office, though! In a city such as Tokyo, a crowded environment where taking care of cats is problematic, the internet company Ferray Corporation actually encourage staff to bring their cats into the office! The main reason for this is to “reduce the stress levels” amongst employees.

“Study after study has proven how pets have a calming effect on our bodies and minds, how they help children with A.D.D. focus better, how they reduce blood pressure and lower stress, how pets at the workplace make employees more creative, productive, and cordial to each other and how they’re such awesome additions to our lives overall.”

This idea is in response to the rise in “Cat Cafes” that stem from Tokyo and are growing in popularity. Ferray Corporation prides itself with having nine cats in the office who are free to roam around and be adorable amongst the employees. It has been proven that the stress levels within the office have decreased and the motivation amongst staff has indeed, improved!

However, they have also pointed out that having the felines running around does come with a few issues, understandably:

“The felines are regularly up to no good – they switch off computers, chew on LAN cables, scratch the walls, tear up papers, and mess up code by walking on keyboards. And when clients visit the premises, the purring felines have the bad habit of going through their bags or sleeping on meeting tables.”

This could be a case of swings and roundabouts but my guess is that they will at least look adorable whilst they destroy the entire IT system? We have enough problems here with my colleague Ben chewing the cables… and he doesn’t look cute doing it, so maybe a cat would be a good option, long term?

The company also encourages the “adoption of cats” for employees who do not have a pet of their own. Rewarding the adoptive owners with bonuses every month to make sure no pet goes homeless. Brilliant!

The notion of bringing pets to the office seems to have spread to another company in Japan. Mars Japan Ltd also encourages employees to bring their pets to work to reduce their stress levels. The advantages that the companies offer to encourage the “bring your pet in for the day, everyday” scheme, shows how successful this theory is at reducing the levels of stress and increasing productivity. Who knew having something cute and adorable would increase morale? I must have the same effect on the rest of the team here at Office Reality!

“They also gives benefits such as time off, condolence pay and covering funeral costs in case of the unfortunate death of a pet.”

Although the concept is travelling Worldwide, reaching out as far as Oregon in the United States there are definitely a good few sceptics:

"If anyone in your office suffers from allergies, bringing a pet to the office would be inconsiderate, even if you are at the top of the food chain. But respiratory conditions aside, there are plenty of other problems with having an animal in the workplace that could severely impact your productivity."

To be fair, working while you are struggling to breathe and can’t read anything on your PC screen because your eyes are bloodshot isn’t going to get anyone motivated. You would definitely have to be considerate towards your colleagues before you bring in a pet alpaca, I guess…

Other drawbacks, as mentioned by sceptics, are of course the possibility of pets becoming sick, a nuisance and smelly! On second thoughts, I don’t think I am going to bother mentioning having a pet in the office. Nobody is going to have the time to look after it anyway… Might have to get some robo-fish instead!

]]>Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/get-the-2016-look-1
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/get-the-2016-look-1
It’s a new year, a new day and there are new beginnings here already at Office Reality. Growing in size, we even have a new starter! Unfortunately it is not him who will be blogging… still me I am afraid!

Inspired by the New Year, my initial thought for my first 2016 blog was to write about the thoughts of “the first” day, expressed by our newcomer. But this was not possible as he is too shy. Maybe I scared him a little bit seeing as he doesn’t really know me. The main reason is that I ran out of time. He isn’t going to be shy for long with the Office Reality bunch, though!

So moving on, I decided to look into what trends we may expect in the office interiors for 2016. The best part about interior design is always how design, trends and colours change throughout the years so it will be interesting to see how this all shifts again for this year!

Focussing more on Nature Indoors

2015 (I know, it seems ages ago) saw an increase in focus on the environment and our beloved planet. World leaders meeting up to discuss the future in the COP21 talks in Paris was a landmark event and the inspiration seems to have flowed into the office., ss an interview with Fiezza for Fast Company explains:

“Reclaimed wood panel installations, exposed concrete flooring, and incorporating natural flora patterns in fabrics and artwork are all becoming more prominent, along with plant life itself in the form of living walls”

The ‘natural looks’ are expected not only to be created by the use of plants and structural elements. The natural element can also be created through the use of ‘earthly’ colours and finishes. For example, by using of pictures and painting walls. “Bringing the Outside In” is one of my previous blogs and yes, I am still waiting on my orchid!

End of Permanent Layouts

2016 is already showing a trend in the office where closed and private workspaces, such as cubicles, are on the decline. Bench desking is becoming more popular and community tables are becoming a new favourite. It has been suggested that this trend is mainly inspired by the “google” effect and what they have achieved in their offices. It all encourages team interaction and for us, it is easier to pass food around…Bonus!

Lounge areas and breakout areas are increasingly in demand for employees for somewhere to socialise and relax and with technology expanding, these areas will be accommodating to this increase. Especially technology items such as Aircharge. These spaces will also offer casual meeting space, moving out of conference rooms for informality.

Organisation by Colour

Miller has explained in Fast Company that colour will play a large role in the office for 2016:

"I’m a strong believer that if you organize your work environment with colour, it will help your thoughts be more organized and colourful"

Colours play a very interesting role mentally, in the office. It has been suggested that the colours chosen may impact creativity and organised parts of the mind. Colours create a positive effect and stimulate the mind, and it looks pretty!

“Colour palettes are often changing and nine times out of ten are dictated by other trends in the media, such as clothing styles and what big international companies are doing in terms of colours and office designs”

Brighter colours are expected to be the more popular choice, having the “shock factor” take place. Inspiring visitors, increasing staff moral and creating a striking effect in the office. I am now wondering if I was to come into the office with a fluorescent tie and glow sticks, would I motivate my colleagues…? Might give this a try, the feedback could be my next blog?!

Feature Lighting

Lighting is going to be important in 2016, too! The increase of open office space can be managed through the use of lighting. Brighter lights can be used in areas that need more focus and ‘subdued’ lighting can be used in confidential areas to take the attention away from these spaces.

Look out for the increasing use of energy efficient lighting solutions that are being used in a way that creates a softer, more intimate working environment.

Lighting design will continue to be a popular choice and an important furniture item in office spaces. Many effects can be created by the use of lights and brightness and colour coincides with team motivation and focus.

The main trend that I seem to have found so far for 2016 is that a few of my previous blog topics back in 2015 already covered these! The main features are to remain the focus on the environment, use of colour in the office and lighting… I must be psychic! Maybe I could use the new chap to test my psychic abilities? What 2016 has taught me already is that there is definitely going to be some exciting times ahead! Here we go… Bring it on!

]]>Fri, 8 Jan 2016 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bouncing-into-christmas
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bouncing-into-christmas
It is the most wonderful time of the year, I know… where has the time gone…? The festive feeling is taking over here at Office Reality, the tree is currently lighting up the lobby and the team is looking forward to their visit from Santa! (all thinking they have been good this year).

Our Christmas tree, however, does not contain the fantastic new design of baubles, created by the British designer Sebastian Bergne. This talented artist has been inspired by the all-time favourite toy, the bouncy ball, to create a fantastic decoration. The baubles, all with a 4cm diameter span, are available in mixed and solid colours and minimal brass circles are set into the top. A playful twist on a traditional ornament.

The “marble effect” that is created through mixing colours, emphasise the originality that these decorations create. In addition to looking great, they are the same childhood toy, so they are less fragile. We all remember breaking everything else in the house rather than the toy itself!

“The accidental colour mixes mean that no two decorations are the same”

The baubles almost look like planets. Who wouldn’t want to have a Christmas tree that looks like it has it’s own solar system? A Sci-Fi tree with decorations that can’t be smashed when your pets decide to play with them or brush past. It’s like a Christmas miracle!

These beautiful, one of a kind, playful baubles are all available for purchase on Sebastian Bergne’s online shop. I am going to have to purchase a few of these for next year! Love the thought of having a futuristic tree for visitors to be greeted with. Although I will have to tell the little elves, sorry, colleagues, not to throw them round the office! I know what they are like…

And on that note, the team at Office Reality would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blissful New Year! Hopefully we will hear from you in 2016…!

]]>Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/resting-in-an-animal-monstera-deliciosa
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/resting-in-an-animal-monstera-deliciosa
Nature is predicted to play a large role in interior design for 2016. With the focus being more on the planet these days, many commercial and individual spaces are using natural elements and colours to emphasise the importance of this cause. This can be seen with several of the collections that are currently displayed at Design Miami 2015. Porky Hefer’s “Monstrera Deliciosa” is the one that has caught my eye the most, in particular the “Fiona Blackfish” killer whale hanging seat.

Fiona Blackfish has been created with the use of white, grey and black leather that has been stitched together and completed with a tail, a fin and flippers. The seat is created with pink fur, creating a tongue and leather is used to create the teeth. The way that the seat is created to hang, allows for the illusion of the fish “swimming freely” as they would in the natural World.

Keeping to the nautical theme, the rope that is used to suspend the seat has been “spliced”. This is a knotting technique that is often used on yachts for extra strength. This will also ensure the durability to make sure that the rope doesn’t snap. You wouldn’t want to be dropped while sat in a killer whale’s mouth!

Another fantastic piece that Hefer has displayed is a “puffer fish” that has been created by weaving kooboo cane into a round nest-like structure. Three openings are left to create the eyes and it’s mouth. The mouth being where the entrance to the seat is and the ends of the cane are left as “spikes” to create the puffer fish façade.

Other “Monsters” which are exhibited at the display are Hefer’s “Crocodile and Pelican hanging seats”, in addition to his “Sea Monster”. The rest of the collection is on display in the Southern Guild’s Cape Town Gallery in his home town.

Although it was the design of these chairs that grabbed my attention, the way in which they are created and the purpose for which they are designed is what has inspired me the most! As Hefer explained to Dezeen:

“My pieces get people to think about nature, and it’s fragility, and make them consider how to protect it”.

The way in which the animals are developed allows them to look friendlier and the comfortability softens the reputation that these creatures and that often comes with predators. Having a seat inside a predator allows for you to feel at one with nature. The nesting environment in which these seats are designed makes you feel safe and calm. From a viewer’s point of view, humans sitting in the mouths of these predators could be seen as a reversal of roles. The human being top of the food chain, becomes insignificant sat in an oversized mouth, representing an animal that is often hunted.

A “friendly” effect is emphasised by the fluffy seats, the nesting and for the “Anglerfish”, the light that lures you into a comfortable seat. These effects may show that Hefer was trying to show us that the animals that are often associated with danger are judged unfairly, should be treated with more respect. Powerful stuff!

But the awe inspiring design techniques do not stop there. The manner in which these seats are brought to life also plays a grand role for the collections. Hefer has explained that they are all made by the use of South Africa’s craft skills, such as weaving and stitching:

“They are about protecting local crafts so that these traditions don’t die out”

The talented artist receives help from talented craftsmen, including weaver Ismael Bay. Ismael has trained weavers at the “Cape Town Society for the Blind”, where a lot of the designs are produced.

“In this way I use his traditional knowledge and weaving skills and subvert these into non-traditional forms, making them more relevant”.

I know, could this collection and artist become any more fantastic and inspiring?! Having these beautiful pieces come with powerful messages, being created by talented people and focussing on nature in such a manner has left me speechless (for once). Everyone who has played a part in this should be more than proud of themselves. When I finally get to Cape Town to dive with Great White Sharks (another dream) I will certainly be following up to see if there is a gallery around displaying Hefer’s works while I am there. Until then, all I can say is “thank you for being so inspirational and cheers for making my day!”

]]>Fri, 4 Dec 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/all-things-light-and-beautiful
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/all-things-light-and-beautiful
Recently there has been an increase in the design of lighting within the furniture and interior industry. Masterpieces designed by numerous talented designers such as Heike Buchfelder, Edward van Vliet, Jos Muller and many others! Ranging from designs that look like animals and clouds to designs that are being created by silk worms. Having read several articles on the different designs the last few weeks, I got the bright idea to write my next blog on my top 5 favourites. Let’s just call them Mike’s Favourites for now:

Markinpoika has explained that the desired effect, inspired by Japanese raked gardens, was the following:

“While the object has its own logic, the viewer can only experience their impermanent and immaterial perception of the light, an active construction of the eyes in negotiation with the object and the environment”

Being a fan of Spirograph when I was younger (all those many years ago), the “Distant Lights” would bring a wonderful sense of nostalgia, almost like having the drawings in 3D.

4. “Iris” by Sebastian Scherer

Berlin designer Sebastian Scherer has designed and created the “Iris” with the use of crystal glass and aluminium. The fantastic clear design creates the impression of a soap bubble and the light shining through the crystal glass creates the rainbow effect. Critics have mentioned that the design is:

“The result of ambitious craftsmanship and technological innovation”

I am a big fan of this design! The pearl colours that shine through into the room offer an element of natural shine. I might have to put this design forward to the MD for our office. The design might inspire the team to do the dishes every so often!

3. “Speak Up!” by Susanne Nielson

Danish Lighting brand Ebb and Flow has manufactured the “Speak Up!” range, which has been designed by Susanne Nielson. These designs are reminiscent of an old stage microphone, modelled by the light bulb and encased in a domed glass shade. The domes are manufactured in different colours widening the choice of light that you might want to create. The designs would be great to have on your desk, it will make you feel like a rock star! The inspiring design truly is:

“A light with attitude that will make you want to speak up!”

2. “Anglerfish” by Justin La Doux

Designer Justin La Doux has created the “Anglerfish” with the use of recycled metal items such as cutlery, a shovel and scrap metal. The five foot long sculpture is based on the scary deep sea creature which attracts it’s victims through the use of light:

“A motion sensor mechanism triggers the other lights at the eyes and body.”

The design is a complete contrast to “colourful, bright and pretty”, yet there is something quite beautiful about this design. What can I say? I guess I am a sucker for shiny things! Must have been a magpie in a previous life. Will definitely think twice about turning the light on though.

1. ”King Edison Pendant Lamp” by Young & Battaglia

We have a winner! The “King Edison Pendant Lamp “is designed by Young & Battaglia in Cambridgeshire. The lights feature a chandelier in a light bulb structure. A light within a light. It is almost like a Russian Matryoshka doll. Named after the inventor of the light bulb, Thomas Edison, the design is almost like the French Renaissance meets the 19th Century (my passion for History coming out).

“Small is beautiful meets a moment of genius, a perfect tiny chandelier suspended inside a glass lightbulb and hung on braided silken cable”

The design shows the evolution of light sources while preserving the heritage of Science and Art. The “King Edison Pendant Lamp” is definitely my favourite so far that I have come across. Definitely a design that reflects treasured moments. Classic, yet contemporary. Love it!

]]>Fri, 20 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-gregory-distribution-cullompton
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-gregory-distribution-cullompton
Gregory Distribution was set up by Archibald John Gregory in 1919. Today, after trading for almost a century, the Gregory Distribution Group has 600 trucks serving 400 customers regionally, nationally and internationally. With over 1900 members of staff, the distribution group has 23 sites from the West Country to Scotland, making sure that they keep to their “Delivering Winners” Slogan.

Office Reality was contacted to help be part of the expansion of the company, in particular with the refurbishment of the Cullompton Office after their new extension. Quotations, floor plans and the installation was all organised directly between Gregory Distribution and ourselves.

The new range of furniture was to match various existing office furniture ranges and a Beech wood finish was chosen. This created the natural and traditional look that they required. The office range refurbishment consisted of modular boardroom tables, rectangular and corner desks, pedestals as well as mesh operator’s chairs and conference chairs.

Adjustable arms were chosen for the operator’s chairs for practicality and the mesh finish offers a contemporary look in the main office and training rooms. The modular boardroom tables allow for movement for different configurations and the range of desks chosen compliment the open office area very well.

The team at the Cullompton site have been nice enough to express their satisfaction with the quality and style of the furniture that has been delivered and installed. This was wonderfully summed up by Robert Wyatt, Internal Auditor:

“The service we received from Office Reality was well organised. The delivery took place on the day that we requested, which was very helpful. Overall we are very pleased with the furniture and we will most certainly recommend Office Reality.”

]]>Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bringing-the-outside-into-the-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bringing-the-outside-into-the-office
Plants have always played a large role within interior design. They create a sense of home and comfort in addition to adding colour. As the World is now focusing more on the environment and becoming “greener”, office refits and design are now also making use of plants. As well as adding personality and comfort, there are other benefits that nature can offer the indoors.

The main benefit that plants offer are the improvement in health and productivity. Studies have shown that having plants in the office improves health conditions by creating “cleaner air”. This will decrease the number of absences that occur (always a bonus for the managers) and reduces stress levels. Numerous studies have also proven that the air created can increase productivity by up to 15%. It has been suggested that plants create a “happier mind” and have a calming influence on people surrounding them. Showing the powerful influence that nature can have, Cipher has summed these ideas up beautifully:

“Buildings and office environments appear more calming and simply a nicer place to be when plants are present”.

The “welcoming” presence is created by the sense of home and nature and this in turn creates the sense of comfort and ease. Perfect for office environments where stress levels can be raised due to “busy climates” or where customers come face-to-face with employees. What better way to sell something than by making the customer feel more comfortable and at ease.

Another interesting fact that has been found is that noise levels are also reduced in the office by plants. The noise reduction will link to the decrease in stress levels, creating a happier environment. Being more economical, plants are a perfect choice to create a nice quiet environment for everyone to enjoy. I know what my colleagues are thinking now, I am starting to wonder when they will surround my desk with plants to quiet “Mr Chatterbox” down! Although, having the sense of working in a mini jungle will have it’s perks… I will have to let them all know that I am a fan of orchids!

The majority of office locations are situated within urban areas, losing the sense of the countryside and nature. Although it is not necessary to set up an office space in the Eden Project (you would certainly need an air-conditioning system if working in a huge greenhouse), what better way to get a sense of nature than adding a few plants to the office space. This sense of the outdoors does wonders for your mental and physical health and it has even been proven that plants can reduce dry skin up to 20%! Synthetic plants are manufactured so well these days that they have the same mental health benefits, just in case you are like myself and watering plants will probably be an oversight!

It has been suggested that the best plants to have in the office are the following:

· Aloe

· Spider Plants

· Cactus

· Succulents

· Ivy

· Rubber Plant

· Peace Lily

I am very pleased to learn that the cactus is a good one to have! Not needing much water will come in handy. Here at Office Reality it seems too much effort for someone to pour water into a mug for a cuppa (looking at you Mark), nevermind watering plants! Unfortunately my suggestion of having an indoor Zen Garden has been shot down. Something about sand getting everywhere..? Bleh! However, I am sure I can sell the idea of having a Cactus in the office with the use of this blog! I will have to keep you all posted on the benefits that we all feel if we get one and manage to keep it alive. Might be an idea for a team building exercise?!

]]>Fri, 6 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sitting-on-a-sketch
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sitting-on-a-sketch
They say that a picture can tell a thousand words. Well, to be fair the photos that are on my Facebook page tell about a million. If I was to ever go into politics, these would be the images that would come back to haunt me. But what about turning a sketch into furniture? No honestly, the talented artist Jinil Park has done just that! Using sketches of chairs, a table and lamps Park has used wires in different thicknesses to create furniture that look like the sketches… What a picture!

The designs are based on actual sketches drawn by Park. The sketch designs are then built and welded together to create the furniture, basing the whole series on the drawings themselves. All designs are recreated based on how feasible they would be as structures. This design and structure process shows that Park is creating the range for practical use as well as structures which are pleasing to the eye.

Although they do not look entirely comfortable, the design comes with plenty of personality. When discussing the design and the idea of the style, Park has explained:

“The key point of my work is the moment where the line is distorted… They express the designer’s feeling, status and emotion”

The distorted design emphasises the sketch effect and the design not being perfect makes the furniture more personal and relates to the artist herself. As the Line Drawing series is created by welding the different wires, the furniture is more durable and practical for use. Another enthusiast of the fantastic set has also pointed out that “the design also decreases the problem of staining fabrics when spilling your glass of wine…”. It seems that my friends have the right priorities, although I don’t think this issue would have been on top of Park’s list when sketching. I love how much feeling and emotion comes with such a simple design. Consider me a fan of the scribble furniture idea. Talk about ideas coming to life!

Upon asking my Managing Director if we could have some in the lobby, the response was that they would scratch the granite floor… Details, details! I am guessing I might have to cross that idea off my list and draw a line under it, or a couple? I will just have to keep admiring it from my computer screen and remain enchanted by the style, whilst sitting in my office chair which doesn’t look like it has been drawn for me… Unfortunately!

]]>Fri, 23 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/rainbows-in-the-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/rainbows-in-the-office
The use of colour is becoming an increasingly important factor when designing an office space. There are several psychological influences that colours may have on employees and this may reflect their performance. Having become increasingly interested in the effects that the use of colour may have on team members in the office, in this blog I have decided to look into the impact that our office colour scheme may have on ourselves here at Office Reality. I am just curious as to whether our work may be impacted by the colours that we are surrounded by… Or the plain fact that we are just that good!

Starting upstairs, the office designer has cleverly used the idea of a “fish bowl”, well, that’s what we have nicknamed our upstairs! Making use of glass and shades of blue, our talented project manager and Accounts Team work here in harmony… But is it the glass and blue shades that are achieving this serenity? According to a few sources, yes! In an article that I have found, on the A Life of Productivity website, the colour psychologist Angela Wright explains her belief that:

“If you need to stimulate your mind, then yes, blue would likely make you the most productive. If you’re an accountant, blue probably would make you more productive”

Seeing as the Accounts team works upstairs, the choice of blue is ideal. Bonus point for the designer! There is also a purple feature wall in the same room. I am a huge fan of the colour purple, and it goes brilliantly with the shades of blue, but what impact would this wall have on the team? Looking through various articles, the colour purple has an impact on the team in a “spiritual” way, creating calm and ease, which is probably the reason for the relaxed, serene environment they seem to have up there! Although there are also mentions about the colour representing royalty and superiority… Not going to read into a hierarchy system between upstairs and downstairs though, might have to leave that for the next blog!

Moving along swiftly from the chilled out, cool and productive environment that is upstairs (not going to lie, cannot move away from the royal purple, going to have to question this), we find ourselves downstairs. Here at Office Reality, the theme that has been used is an “Urban” setting. Basing the theme on a busy environment, sales and customer service is all based down here. Well, I am assuming this was the idea! Once referred to as “Like a scene from The Wolf Of Wall Street”, the atmosphere down here is quite different, being more fast paced and busy. So looking at the colour scheme down here I am wondering what effect green and shades of red might have on the front line team.

Green appears to be a good colour to be used in an environment that is busy and where money is exchanged. Perfect for a Sales Department! Honestly, my colleague who was in charge of the office design was clearly on a roll. Going to have to suggest a bonus chart system! So what impact does the shades of red have on us “soldiers in the battlefield”? One study, written by Jim Fidler for an article found on Spectrum Workplace has suggested the following:

“Red boosts energy levels in office workers. It can also encourage healthy debate and discussion”

I promise you that I am not trying to make the colours fit into their environment! Despite me thinking that it was my beautiful skill at coffee making that was boosting the energy levels, the shades of red do seem to be relevant to what the study suggests. The team downstairs does seem to find time to have a good discussion, putting the World to rights! Never a dull moment!

The colours and themes used in the office seem to have the right impact psychologically on the teams here. Couldn’t tell you if this was actually the idea that my colleague had when she designed the office fit-out, but good work! Just going to have to ignore that I am clashing just a little bit with the colour scheme, wearing my orange Converse. But hey, nothing wrong with a bit of colour in the office!?

]]>Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-live-business
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-live-business
As well as providing key operations to ferry and cruise industries, Live Business are experts in providing entertainment internationally on sea as well as land. This is a process that they have done successfully for the last 20 years.

They pride themselves on “thinking differently”, providing the best possible service for their customers, exceeding their expectations and providing fantastic entertainment.

Office Reality was approached by Live Business when they spotted that we were able to supply breakout seating that would be suitable for their new office space. They were looking for colours that would match their company logo. Whilst wanting to reflect the service that they provide, a contrasting colour would be ideal.

Having found modular seating that would be ideal for moving around, two contrasting colours were chosen that would be suitable for the office colours: orange and slate grey. The colours fuse wonderfully with the white office furniture already present, brightly reflecting the personality of the office space.

Mark Dixon, Managing Director said the following about the achieved result:

“We are an entertainment and theatrical agency and have recently moved offices and dealt with many different companies as part of the process - including a number of soft furnishings companies. Michael Hurd at Office Reality was a pleasure to deal with and helped us to secure a very quick turnaround on our furniture from order to delivery. From helping us to choose a design for our breakout seating through to a colour scheme to match our branding, he was terrific and a great brand ambassador for Office Reality”

]]>Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-beginnings-acoustics-in-prisons
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-beginnings-acoustics-in-prisons
Starting my new evolving role, I have been appointed to write my first blog! Thinking of inspiration on what to write, my first brainwave was looking into what the top “helpful” tips would be for the first day at work… But I came across the tip:

“Don’t be yourself…Yet”.

I soon gave up on that one as I am incapable of being anyone but me! Looking for further inspiration, I looked through the wonderful magazine Dezeen” I came across the article of the new “Seeds” that have been introduced to Leeds prison:

Designed by Karl Lenton of UK company Safe Innovations Ltd, the egg shape structure, known as a “Seed”, is acoustic and is designed to allow for maximum privacy for inmates during healthcare meetings & appointments. The components that the structure is made are without fixings and can be assembled in an estimated 30 minutes! That’s a lot quicker than myself assembling flat pack furniture, this usually takes me around 3 hours between coffee breaks. The lack of fixings also decreases the risk of danger for the healthcare assistants that are in the Seed with the patient.

The simple surroundings inside the Seed allow for a “neutral environment” for the prisoners, keeping them at ease and allowing them to have the privacy that they need. It really is like something that should be in a sci-fi movie! Might be an idea for the new Star Wars sets…?

As the article from Dezeen mentions: "Prisons by their very nature are loud environments, made from materials that amplify sound. Seeds' inner foam core is used to dampen and mask these external sounds of prison life, so conversations can take place inside Seeds without people having to raise their voices to be heard." Allowing for a calm environment for the inmates, helping them towards improving their wellbeing in what must be quite a “hostile” environment that they are so used to.

As well as looking fantastic, being mobile and acoustic, I am impressed at how much this Seed idea will help towards improving the health of inmates. I think it shows a new level of healthcare as well as acoustic design ideas! I also like to think that the name “The Seed” may stem from the fact that it can be seen as a start to new beginnings and growth, like this blog writing will be for me… But that could be me looking into it a bit too much! Either way, I have to say… I am in awe! I hope that the benefits have already been showing in Leeds! Definitely will have to keep an eye on this... May even suggest one to the MD for a new meeting room for the inmates, sorry, colleagues, here at Office Reality!

]]>Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/jupiter-properties-fallowfield-manchester
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/jupiter-properties-fallowfield-manchester
Jupiter Properties Manchester are an independent family run landlord & lettings office in the heart of Fallowfield, Manchester. Having been established in 1985, they have been renting student & professional accommodation for over 30 years.

Last year in early 2014 Jupiter Properties were planning to open up a premises which would make the company more visible and accessible to the public appearing more like a high street agent. The managing director made contact with Office Reality to discuss their plans for the move which was due to happen within around 3 weeks.

The Brief:

1: Reception Desk – needed to have company logo embossed on to the front of the desk. The desk also had to be at different heights and be able to display Jupiter Property literature and information packs

2: Desks for staff members which had to have drawers for filing and had to be aesthetically pleasing from the visitor side and incorporate a large curved working area.

3: Office chairs had to be heavy duty and professional looking

4: Conference room – need a table with 8-10 chairs that can be dis-assembled.

All of the above had to incorporate Jupiter Properties company colours which are blue/white with hint of black and grey. After various discussions we were sent an accurate floor plan of the property which enabled us to draw up a plan of the premises and allowed us to plan accurately using industry software programme pCon the furniture which was required and allowed us to present our proposal of specified furniture.

The Solution:

1: Bienvenue reception desk which offered a suitable contemporary look and is available in different modules with suitable DDA sections and high sections. The desk also can hold suitable literature and literature to parcel shelf on the counter section. The Bienvenue desk is also available in grey amongst other finishes and was available within the required lead time of 7 – 10 days.

2: Ergonomic Osmose desks corner desks with matching desk high pedestals. These desks are suitable for customer facing companies such as estate agents and letting offices as they have a contemporary aluminium leg feature which sets this type of desk apart from its counter parts. The Osmose desk range also comes with matching storage from the C01 range which again is a smart storage solution with many different configuration possibilities. Jupiter properties utilised some storage options from the C01 range including the useful C01 mobile storage unit.

3: The ECT Designer mesh chairs are popular as they are heavy duty yet very stylish as they incorporate a mesh back faux leather seat and ergonomic adjustable headrest.

4: We specified the central table in Wenge for the conference room with Envoy meeting room chairs allowing a functional meeting room space due to the unobtrusive central leg on the table and the well-formed size of the envoy meeting room chairs.

Overall we delivered the furniture on time and on budget and Jupiter properties were really pleased with our specification of furniture, design process, customer services and after sales care that they have used us repeatedly for additional items for their offices. We enjoyed working with Jupiter Properties in getting their new offices up and running. We wish them luck in the future.

The response that we received from Jupiter properties was the following:

"The team at Office Reality have been excellent throughout our whole office move. Professional, patient and quick to deal with any queries. I would highly recommend them to any company or individual looking to kit out their offices."

]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-mobysoft-manchester-one-manchester
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-mobysoft-manchester-one-manchester
Mobysoft provides innovative time saving solutions to the social housing sector. The Manchester based outfit are renowned for their unique rent arrears decision engine – RentSense. This enables housing organisations to work smarter and more efficiently.

Established in 2003, Mobysoft were ranked the 15th ‘Fastest Growing Technology Company in the North’ at the 2015 GP Bullhound Northern Technology Awards and have been shortlisted for 'Best IT system' at the Housing Excellence awards.

Mobysoft approached Office Reality prior to relocating their offices. They required a space that would coincide with the company’s growth. A member of our project management team discussed the relocation with the project manager in person and analysed the available space (proposing two floor plan models) design concepts and deliberating at length client visions and requirements.

Office Reality was tasked with creating an inspiring and professional environment that would promote collaboration and communication.

We created a spacious and professional design which brings all staff into one shared-space, the office now supports greater internal communication and also offers sufficient room coinciding with Mobysoft’s projected growth.

Russ Burt, Head of Finance and Project Leader said:

“In March 2015 we were scheduled to move offices and completely refit all fixtures and furniture, from the outset Office Reality bought into the idea we had for our fit out, it felt more of a joint venture than merely buying furniture, with the team assisting on design, layout, logistics and the fit and build service was superb, contact was regular and efficient and overall the project was a complete success with a tight deadline hit”.

]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/obtain-the-perfect-posture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/obtain-the-perfect-posture
Sit, Stand Up - Drink Coffee, Don’t Drink Coffee – Star Jump, Squat Thrust. On a regular basis I read an article that tells me NOT to do something because it will affect my health in some way shape or form. The next week I’ll read another article that totally contradicts last week’s statement. “Hold on a minute… you told me last week not to do this”. When you reach a certain age (for arguments sake let’s say 18) you should receive a ‘guide to life’, within this guide there should be financial advice, how to fry an egg, and more importantly how to avoid getting a bad back in the workplace. Unfortunately this ‘life guide’ does NOT exist (saying that, google is not far off) so you are left with me. Sorry to disappoint.

Today I want to focus on sitting down and how you can obtain the best possible posture during your working day.

A recent study in America revealed that two out of three office workers have felt physical pain in the last six months. The survey collected reactions from around 1,000 U.S office workers aged between 18 and above. Results also disclosed - 62 percent of respondents had felt pain in their lower backs, 53 percent in their necks, 38 percent in their shoulders, 33 percent in their wrists, and 31 percent in their upper backs.

Avoid looking like Disney’s ‘Quasimodo’ with my top tips to improve posture at work

Chair

Use your chair’s back rest as long as you keep your pelvis forward. If you find yourself slouching back into your chair, move forward a smidgeon.

Feet

BOTH FEET SHOULD BE FLAT ON THE FLOOR. Sitting cross legged is out of the question as is sitting on one of your legs, or both legs for that matter (you’re not meditating at work, or if you are, please ignore) these positions cause you to get slouchy.

Elbows, arms and wrists

Keep your elbows at your sides and forearms equivalent to the floor. Then position your keyboard so that you can reach it comfortably without moving you ‘ginglymus’ (elbow joint).

Back

Tilt your pelvis forward so that you’re almost sitting on your hamstrings, rather than on your tailbone. This allows you to reduce the strain on your shoulder and neck muscles.

Monitor your height

Position your monitor so that the top of it is in line with your eye. This keeps your head in line with your torso so that your neck and shoulder muscles are less worn-out at the end of the day.

Distance from the monitor

You should sit at least a foot-and-a- half from your computer screen, this will also help you keep your head and torso in line.

]]>Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-close-brothers-bristol
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-close-brothers-bristol
Close Brothers are one of the UK’s leading merchant banking groups – providing a range of financial guidance, investment management and online investing to private, institutional and corporate clients together with professional advisers.

The Bristol based branch informed us that, due to the growing staff numbers and the impractical location of their current offices, they were set to relocate to larger premises in the centre of the city and, as such, required Office Reality's assistance in an attempt to sculpt a reception area that mirrored the brands contemporary image.

Project Manager Notes:

· Sleek, modern design

· DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant

· Dark wood finish

· Enough room for 2 users

· ‘C’ shape design

· Matching under desk storage

We were able to meet the requirements of the brief quite early on by quoting and specifying the contemporary ‘Luna Reception Desk’ which is extremely stylish due to its simplistic modular panel shapes that are available within the range.

After the initial project brief we were sent a full scale floor plan - from this we were able to obtain an overview of the space and provide potential ‘Luna’ desk configurations to our client. We planned out each proposed desk using our industry standard cad design program ‘pCon’ this allowed us to tailor a desk which adhered to all of the above project specifications.

In this instance, we supplied the Luna Desk Configuration 5 in a rich dark oak finish – the 2000mm wide x 1100mm deep unit is constructed using a curved full height counter unit with a 12mm frosted satin glass top, complete with a 1000mm wide straight desk height section making the desk compatible for wheelchair users.

The Close Brothers team were extremely happy with the installation and the specification of the furniture supplied. We would like to wish them luck within their new premises and hope to work with them on any forthcoming project requirements.

]]>Thu, 6 Aug 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-moneyhub-bristol-bs1-6fl
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-moneyhub-bristol-bs1-6fl
MoneyHub uses revolutionary technology to help people budget, track and grow their finances whilst offering convenient access through all media platforms. This insightful financial tool was conceived in 2013 and launched by a small innovative Bristol- based team. Since this time they have rapidly outgrown various office spaces as MoneyHub technology grew and developed at lightning speed. Alongside this growth, in early 2015 came the exciting prospect of a brand new large office space to accommodate the team which would also offer them an inspiring place to work, socialise and collaborate.

MoneyHub contacted Office Reality during the final stages of their fit out as they wanted to find a suitable storage solution in the form of lockers which were going to be situated within a walkway between the working office and the social space of the staff canteen.

In the early stages of the planning and due to the ‘minimalist look’ requirements of the brief it was agreed that personal underdesk pedestals (mobile drawer units) would contribute to making the space look cluttered and untidy. Each specified workstation in keeping with the minimalist look featured a shallow metal drawer on the underside of the desk top which would hold small loose items such as pens, notebooks, and phones. The problem was that these drawers would not hold larger personal items such as bags, cycle helmets, and even squash rackets often bought in by staff members. Lockers therefore were preferred storage solution to this problem.

MoneyHub did not want the standard looking metal lockers as they were going to be within the office environment so they specified wooden lockers which would give a warmer feel and would be quieter when in use. The Aztec Three Door locker was specified from our sister website www.onlinereality.co.uk and was modified in size to suit the requirements of the MoneyHub team. The Aztec lockers are available and manufactured in the UK from sturdy 18mm MFC and are available with a choice of natural or coloured doors, on this occasion the white mfc finish was chosen. Overall the installation went very well and the lockers have been well received and used by all the team at MoneyHub.

The service that we received from office reality was second-to-none. They were able to work with us to accommodate our business needs for our employee locker volumes, dimensions and build quality.

This enabled us to get the product that we wanted and within the time-scale that was required to meet our office refurbishment completion date. The installation was quick and straightforward and their team made this whole process very easy for us.

A pleasure to do business with them and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a similar product.

David Healy, Customer Support Manger, MoneyHub

]]>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/off-the-wall-office-spaces
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/off-the-wall-office-spaces
It is the summer (use that phrase loosely) but this bout of poor weather has already got me thinking of the autumn. Terrible really!!

I currently find myself thinking about Bonfire Night, Oktoberfest, Halloween and, dare I say it, even Christmas. Whilst thinking of Halloween I had a small epiphany - “Most people write about the supreme office spaces around the globe, but not many will talk about the more farfetched designs, the ones that are just ‘odd’ as opposed to ‘fantastic’”.

Google might have their slides and rooftop gardens, but sometimes a little bit of quirkyness isn't quite enough, so here are my top 3 offices that take bizarre to an entirely different level. Enjoy!

My initial reaction – “Why is there a child diving in the office, that is a bit odd”. However, I later discovered that this was really a statue. Crazy right?

From the sculpture of a rather nervous child dangerously perched on a diving board, or a random hairy creature (not live) that bears an uncanny resemblance of the Adams Families' Cousin 'IT', to a kneeling astronaut.

The European banking firm decided to flip the perception of uninviting banks on its head. Their Copenhagen offices are filled with a collection of bold art, aiming to inspire staff and visitors alike.

If you visited the offices of a company called Inventionland (who invent more than 2,000 items a year) you’d presume to see something a bit imaginative. What you’d actually find is a 70,000sqft office design based in 15 different sets! Pirate ships, a race track, and a giant shoe house to name a few, this office really has it all!

Obviously, their motto is "The best work comes out of the spirit of play”.

This cultural association promotes the study of the German language in 159 institutes across the globe. Artist Sebastien Neitsch designed an audio visual projection mapping system that transforms it into an interactive space, straight from the sci-fi movie Tron. How this all works is beyond me, I won’t pretend to understand the technicalities behind this incredible space, but a suspended microphone picks up any sound and turns it into animated wall graphics, making it the most wonderfully weird office design I’ve ever come across!

Source: Office Snapshots

]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-storage-and-the-functional-work-place
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-storage-and-the-functional-work-place
Many times an afterthought, sometimes a hassle, but Office Storage should be a priority from the offset in any given office rennovation or refit.

As we move into an era of office design whereby the location of swings, pool tables and Pac Man are higher on the priority list than storage, I thought I’d fashion an informative article explaining how well organised storage spaces can improve office functionality.

Documents dotted around as far as the eye can see is not what I’d call an efficient working environment, far from it. It can give way to a lot of frustration, wasteful use of time, and can create a lack of impetus within the work force. This is why having well-designed storage cabinets in the office is a necessity for effective work.

There are many types of cabinets on the market, they differ in terms of designs, models, storage capacity, quality and, of course, PRICE. Selecting the most suitable office cabinet is not an easy thing to do.

How Could You Work Like This?

I’ve selected two of our most popular types of office cabinets:

Lateral office storage cabinets have horizontal drawers where you can place files side by side. These kinds of cabinets make best use of the space, making it very useful in constricted offices. Occasionally, lateral units can accommodate more files than standard vertical ones. Additionally, you can set the files or documents front to back, or side to side depending on your requirements. There are plenty of lateral cabinets on today’s market. Select metal or wood cabinets, depending on your office style, make sure the doors are sturdy and have locking options, in order to secure your private files, and try to find highly functional and easy-to-work-with models.

Vertical office cabinets have been around for a long period of time (1900 if I want to be more precise – which I do) and are the most popular type of storage cabinets we sell. Vertical filing cabinets are very convenient and easy to use. They are available with two to ten drawers for storing files, documents and letters. The files face the front of the drawer and are easily accessible. There are so many models and designs on the market. You can find very tall and narrow cabinets that perfectly fit small, unused spaces in an office. In terms of design, there are plenty of choices– from very stylish, modern cabinets, to traditionally designed ones. No matter the style of your office, you will certainly find a great cabinet to match it.

High quality office storage cabinets will not only help you store more files, papers and other required items efficiently, it will also improve the characteristics of the office, making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Our Bisley Storage Range provides unrivalled versatility when it comes to the two designs mentioned above.

]]>Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-avs-net-chessington-kt9-2ny-
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-avs-net-chessington-kt9-2ny-
AVS net was founded in 2005 and is a leading Audio Visual communications solution provider who also offer ongoing client support and services. They have a unique understanding of their market place and a general understand of collaborative technology which has resulted in an impressive blue chip client base.

We were contacted by Kayleigh Baxter from AVS who informed us that due to investment in new leading IT and operational infrastructure they were moving in to bigger premises in order to accommodate their growing team. We were sent an outline of a floor plan with detailed measurements of the doors, windows and existing partitioning which defined the meeting rooms. From this we were able to draw up our own CAD model of the room allowing us to present to Kayleigh a few different options using various ‘call centre ranges’ from our website.

We offer many types of call centre desk pods solutions but one of our most popular ranges is the Offimat range which provides solutions for many different working areas such as telemarketing, meeting rooms, manager’s offices and home offices. The main part of the Offimat family we supply are the booths (often seen in libraries) and call centre clusters, both come with dividing panels between worktops to allow each user a degree of privacy when working or reading. In this instance the 4 person cluster version was settled on as we were able to offer seven pods accommodating 28 personnel within the required parameters meeting the initial requirements of the brief.

We also put forward as a seating solution 20 Pricebuster Operator chairs with height adjustable arms which are available in five different fabric choices with blue fabric being the chosen colour within this scheme.

AVS net required our optional professional installation services on this project as the timing was important as they needed the desk pods and chairs in place almost immediately after taking occupancy. The AVS team were extremely happy with the installation and the specification of the furniture supplied. We wish them luck within their new premises and hope to work with them in the future for further furniture requirements.

Having launched to consumers in May 2011 with a team of just five advisers, Which? Mortgage Advisers now employ 65 brokers and boast an entire workforce of nearly 100. Which? has doubled its adviser and administration teams in the last six months alone and last September promoted a quarter of its advisers into either senior or management roles.

2014 marked a new era for the Bristol based firm after announcing they were set to relocate their offices in order to concur with the current workforce growth and any future developments the company may sustain.

Which? Mortgage Advisers requested Office Reality’s services shortly after the decision was made on the upcoming move. The following specifications were given:

· Provide a reception area that would create a lasting impression on visitors

· Deliver a reception unit that would coincide with the company’s colourways (red and white)

· Functional for its users

· Storage compartments

After multiple discussions with the Which? Mortgage Adviser team it was clear that the most appropriate solution on this occasion would be the Valde Reception Desk with inbuilt led lighting. With lack of light proving to be a fundamental issue within the designated area, the Valde Reception Desk provided an apt solution due to its inbuilt LED illuminated front. The illumination under the counter top and above the kick plate ensures the reception desk is striking in dimmer rooms.

The high gloss red coloured front and white body was chosen to concur with the companies brand colours and measured in total 2930mm, this provided enough room for two receptionists to comfortably work in. In addition to this, two storage ends were selected, allowing users to remain clutter free and to store documents with minimal hassle.

Overall this was a popular installation, staff and visitors alike at Which? Mortgage Advisers are pleased with the new contemporary reception area.

Do you have a similar project in mind? If so, we would love to hear from you.

]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-innovation-1st-london
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-innovation-1st-london
Innovation 1st create powerful marketing concepts and merchandise aiming to captivate their client’s audience, forever telling the story behind the brand. The company’s rapid growth is down to its imaginative ethos, which is “to change the way organisations think about marketing their brand, products or services”.

Their expertise within market analysis and creative design stems from working with a variety of clients, from project based work with small niche brands, to operating with some of the world’s more prominent brands such as Shell, Weetabix, Aston Villa and Aston Martin.

Innovation 1st contacted us to design a tailored seating solution for their offices. This had to include breakout areas and waiting areas, as well as providing a complete task chair solution for all 30 office employees. A very clear desire was conveyed in the initial telephone briefing; To create a modern aesthetically pleasing office space which was not only inviting to its workforce, but also to its visiting clients.

We specified the visually appealing ‘Kola Sofas’ to form the waiting area. The Kola collection of benches and sofas create a striking combination of contemporary and retro style on a solid beech frame and has detailed coloured buttoning sewn in to the back rest.

A number of solutions were put forward for the meeting rooms, with the ‘Melba Designer Armchair’ finally being approved. Its trendy designer appearance is reinforced by the detailed stitching located on the rear of the seat. The sleek chrome four star swivel base only adds a contemporay feel.

Two small breakout areas were to be shaped around the outer part of the office space. ‘Arkitek Circular Tables’ were later nominated as the centre pieces, its unique polished chrome frame is complemented with a compact laminate table top which is available in 5 different wood finishes, as well as two glass top options. ‘Ikon Chairs’ were selected to carry on the very minimalistic design concept that our client had embraced.

Employees on site also required new chairs which had to meet the high demands of a busy, very active work environment. The 'Lyon Task Chair' was favoured due to its contemporary design and coinciding with the clients desire for an ergonomically moulded shaped back, ensuring healthy back support for all.

Staff at Innovation 1st were extremely happy with their modern new office and it’s certain to have a positive impact on the staff and visiting clientele for years to come.

Do you have a project in mind similar to this? We would love to hear from you.

]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/renovating-a-dental-practice-reception
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/renovating-a-dental-practice-reception
Waiting is no fun, whether you’re waiting for yourself or waiting for your favourite TV show to start, waiting isn’t always possible to avoid. Dental appointments often take longer than anticipated. To make matters worse, many patients feel anxious about visiting their local dental practice. It isn’t just the prospect of pain that worries them, but also that treatment might be costly. The longer patients wait in an uncomfortable setting, the more stressed they become. In today’s article, I will be looking at ways to combat that anxiety by creating an alluring, more welcoming dental waiting room.

After researching multiple dental surveys I finally came across some data which concurs with the above. In a study carried out by the HSCIC (Health & Social Care Information Centre) – 15% of visitors say they get extremely anxious before visiting their dentist, with 35% of the people surveyed saying they get fairly/slightly anxious.

The waiting room (as the name implies) is where patients spend much of their time. It’s also their first impression of the practice. How the dental practice waiting room looks and more importantly feels can help win the trust of patients instantaneously, and can create a more positive customer experience.

People Have Choice!!!!

These days, clients have more choice than ever, as competition heats up and they’re flooded with ads and marketing from other dentists who are competing with you for their attention and for their choice.

Wall murals, fish (my personal favourite) flowers, and background music are just a few things that can create a more inviting dental waiting room. The décor and furniture is where the client’s first impression is won and lost, because one of your main goals is to relieve patients` feelings of tension or fear. Ensure you lean toward colours that soothe, rather than those that excite. Generally, neutral, cool colours transmit a feeling of comfort and control. That`s why so many medical offices decorate in beige, blue or brown.

At Office Reality we firmly believe that a well-designed practice can often be directly linked to an increase in overall business performance. This is why, from the early stages of the design, we take the time to understand the needs of the dentist, surgery staff and clients, and work closely in finding the best solution for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current dental facilities or move to new premises we have a solution for you. Our highly trained design team will analyse your practice to see how you work and how the practice could be better suited to your daily tasks and procedures. We will then come back to you with a 3D design concept. Our experienced designers are experts in creating visualised 3D renderings of interiors, helping you envisage how the environment will actually look upon completion and the space at your disposal.

Do you have a project in mind, but are finding it difficult where to start? Why not call us for a no obligation consultation.

]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/uniquest-the-leathermarket-weston-street-london
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/uniquest-the-leathermarket-weston-street-london
Uniquest exists to offer UK higher education institution a tailored student recruitment service. They give strategic insights to student applicants and enrolments which help and improve the process for each potential student. With prospective students and organisations embracing digital interactions and communications Uniquest are well positioned to maintain and to respond to their needs.

We received a call from Uniquest Director Natalie Letcher who explained that they were in the process of moving offices near to the Shard building in London. Their new space had exposed brick work, floor to ceiling window with a high vaulted ceiling which sounded like one of those enviable office spaces you see on Pinterest! The brief generally consisted of the following:

1. Banks of desks for maximum 24 personnel

2. Desks size to be a space saving size at 1200mm wide x 800mm deep

3. Potential capacity for future growth

4. High desk top screens to absorb noise

5. Furniture to coincide with company branding with the company colours being white, orange and grey.

We presented Natalie with a 2D plan and 3D visual demonstrating the layout of the new office space at full capacity with 24 desks. We had initial concerns that there was not going to be sufficient space between the banks of desks which could result in a compromise of space behind the user and chairs clashing. We then specified the Astro Arch bench system which is now available with each desk top being 700mm deep which gave more circulation room between each bank. The problem was however was that the bench system could not easily have been broken down in to singular desks making future reconfiguration difficult.

It was decided to re plan using only 14 single desks which would improve the circulation of the office space whilst still successfully housing all current staff members whilst still leaving sufficient space for future growth.

We specified the moderately stylish Optimize desk which has a double strut cantilever leg adding extra stability which in no way compromises the aesthetics of the desk. This range is available within 5 – 10 days and comes in various contemporary wood finishes such as white, cedar, bleached oak and santiago cherry,

The pricebuster V2 rectangular screens were also chosen at the maximum height of 480mm which helped in reducing office noise. The fabric was from the camira Lucia range ‘Lobster’ which was in keeping with Uniquest’s orange across their website and logo. We also supplied a large wall mounted projector screen for the new meeting area.

The installation was a success with our experienced fitters arriving on time and completing the installation without any delays. The staff and Natalie were extremely happy with their new offices so much so that they sent us some pictures of the furniture in situ! We wish Uniquest every success in their new offices.

Do you have a project in mind similar to this? We would love to hear from you.

]]>Tue, 9 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-telecity-group-manchester-m15-6se
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-telecity-group-manchester-m15-6se
Telecity Group is Europe’s leading provider of data centres which provide secure and highly connected environments for the IT and telecoms equipment that effectively powers the digital economy and internet. Telecity’s data centres are strategically placed across Europe in destinations such as Milan, Paris, Frankfurt, Sofia, Istanbul and Amsterdam. The UK data centres are located in London, Manchester with another centre Dublin, Ireland.

In 2014 Telecity group contacted Office Reality with a view to improve their existing reception area at their Manchester site as their current reception desk consisted of two large radial workstations with screens. We supplied them with a large two person desk from the Evolution range which worked well because it could be specified and designed to coincide with Telicity’s branding guidelines with the logo featuring on the led lit panelling on the desk itself.

We were therefore pleased to hear from Telecity once again when they required 14 new workstations, screens and storage solutions to replace their existing furniture at the Manchester site which did not correlate with their new branding guidelines and identity. We were sent some pictures of their existing offices and a floor plan which gave us the abilty to space plan using the existing desks as a template and guide. After sending on our first proposal it was decided that a more interesting layout would be required than the standard cross or pod of four corner workstations which they already had. The new layout was now going to consist of 120 degree workstations which usually consist of three desks to make up one pod. This type of desking is popular in call centres and service industries and offers a more interesting and dynamic look compared to standard rectangular or corner desks.

Amongst the many 120 desks we offer the Avalon Plus 120 desk with combination pedestal at 600mm deep was chosen as it gave a minimalist look and was available in the requested finishes of grey and white. We also specified aluminium framed blue perspex frost coloured screens which are complimentary to the Avalon Plus range and again suit the ‘tech’ look that Telecity we aiming for.

The staff on site also required new chairs which had to meet the demands of a busy data centre environment. The ECT designer mesh chair was put in the scheme as it’s a heavy duty chair with a large comfortable leather seat and headrest matched with a breathable mesh back. Low level blue glass door Armariuos storage was used to compliment the desks and screens and have been used previously by Telecity group in other data centres.

Installation photos of the new layout:

Overall this was a successful installation and the staff at Telecity Manchester were really pleased with their new office and look we hope to work with Telecity on future projects.

Aqsa Rassaq from Telecity commented:

We have bought several items from Office Reality as their tailor made service and on-going support has been a delight to work with in the past. With the office refit we had in mind, Ben assisted us throughout the process from start to finish.

Overall, we were very satisfied with the end result and the installation team were efficient and quick at assembling the desks.

I would recommend Office Reality and would most certainly return to them for future orders.

Do you have a similar project in mind? If so we would love to hear from you.

]]>Fri, 29 May 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-cornhill-dental-bridgwater
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-cornhill-dental-bridgwater
Cornhill Dental surgery in based in Bridgwater, Somerset and operates with a simple idea to make dental care as comfortable and as affordable as possible. They offer a number of treatments from whitening and cosmetic dentistry to filings and crowns and can tailor any dental solution to each individual’s requirements.

We received a call from the practice manager Heather Kertz in April who indicated that a new reception desk was required with delivery and installation to coincide with a refurbishment of the surgery and the updating of the IT systems. As the surgery was close to our Somerset Headquarters we arranged a site visit to meet Heather to discuss the reception area in question and to take overall measurements of available working space.

It was clear that the existing desk was not serving both receptionist and customer, it was looking tired and the front panelling, being one height was effectively misguiding each visitor when signing documents and paying for dental care. The new reception desk had to have a counter top high enough to house the monitors and had to also combine some storage facility for paper documents. They also required an established signing in point and paying point which would elevate the misguiding issue that they were having.

The practice manager had selected two reception desks from our website which she thought could be used within the refurbished surgery; the Luna and the Avalon reception desk. We planned out each proposed desk using our industry standard cad design program pCon and emailed the surgery a detailed 2d plan and 3d visual along with a competitive quotation which included free installation on the Avalon range.

On further discussion about the requirements of the desk it was clear that the Luna desk although extremely visually appealing and stylish did not offer the same modular options as the Avalon range. We continued with a secondary visual showing the Avalon desk at 600mm deep with two working desks which led to a 90 degree low section unit with an executive glass shelf followed by a DDA section. We sent the surgery wood samples with the preferred and chosen finish being Japanese ash with a mirrored front on the base units.

The installation was a success and was timed alongside the IT installation which was necessary as the surgery could not close during the changeover, this really helped the staff and visitors as disruption was kept to an absolute minimum. We went back to meet the staff who were really pleased with the Avalon reception desk supplied by Office Reality.

Jeremy Lyle the principle dentist said:

We have been very impressed with the support and help that Office Reality provided. They were very helpful with their advice with regards to what would work well for us in the difficult space we had.

The fitters were quick and left the place very tidy.

We would definitely recommend Office Reality and the services they provide.

Do you have a similar brief or project you are considering? We would love to hear from you!

]]>Thu, 28 May 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-cigital-3-harbour-exchange-square-london
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-cigital-3-harbour-exchange-square-london
Cigital is recognised as being the largest software security consultation firm in the world, providing an extensive range of software security solutions including; consultations, training (instructor lead and eLearning), mobile application security and cloud services. Their aim is to address the potential risks connected with using third-party software.

Formed in 1992, Cigital rapidly became a well known quantity within the software security sector after developing and manufacturing the first ever commercial static analysis tool (ITS4). The ITS4 technology was later used as the foundation to create Fortify Software (1999). Hewlett Packard purchased Fortify Software in 2010 for a figure in the region of $265 million.

Cigital approached Office Reality shortly after learning they were soon to be relocating their offices to London’s business district, Canary Wharf. During the opening telephone conversation, it was apparent, due to the capitals high rental prices, fulfilling the space potential was paramount. Lead times were also to play a factor in the furniture selection, with an opening date scheduled 10 days after the initial telephone conversation.

Our client wanted to create a modern, open plan office space, mirroring the very current surroundings of Canary Wharf. Two 8 person workspace combinations were later finalised as the ideal workplace solution. These were fashioned using 8 1600mm x 1200mm Flite corner desks with desk height pedestals. Finished with both 1600mm and 800mm New Line rectangular desk dividers retaining the employees’ personal workspace.

James (Cigital Project Manager) stressed the importance of having individual work booths. These have become a very common requirement in open plan offices, enabling staff to catch up on emails, make phone calls in privacy without being disturbed and/or disturbing others. The Flite, Newline combination was again selected to create two quiet work booths at the front of the building.

Office Reality supplied an ample furniture solution, ensuring they adhered to James’ design concept, which was to create a welcoming workspace for employees and visitors alike; promoting collaboration whilst remaining professional and functional.

Something of interest? Please don't hesitate to contact Nathan on 01823 218563 or email: nathan.sheehan@officereality.co.uk I'll be more than happy to help.

]]>Fri, 15 May 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dorsett-hotel
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dorsett-hotelThe Grade 2 building that now houses the newly completed 4 star Dorsett Hotel was originally built in the 1920s as a cinema and then in 1983 changed use to a bingo hall which eventually closed in 2001. For ten years this iconic building remained empty and disused and in 2009 planning permission was granted for the Dorsett luxury hotel. Demolition work began in 2012, with the listed façade of the building retained. Dorsett Shepherds Bush, London opened in 2014.

During the construction process in 2014 we were contacted by the Dorsett Hong Kong Team to discuss the furniture for the working offices, staff canteen, changing rooms within the hotel. Dorsett planned to use the redundant Walkabout Bar (located next to the hotel) as a temporary office during the final stages of the build, with the scope to relocate permanently to the hotel after completion. This meant that we had to space plan twice because each piece of furniture that was proposed for the temporary office had to also work within the hotel offices. We discussed these details on site with the engineer and surveyed each separate area which had to accommodate 40 staff utilising hot desks, sales, training suites, managerial offices and a break out areas.

We specified the popular Avalon range of desks simply because of the build quality, extensive variation of sizes and the competitive pricing. The other benefit being that the manufacture was able to offer a special sized desks for the sales and reservation suites at 700mm deep (the standard being 800mm) which is a space saving measure a vital factor in prime London locations. The board finish of the Avalon desk and storage that was chosen was the stylish Walnut which matched other parts of the hotels scheme.

For the managerial office suite we specified the stylish Osmose range which has an elegant leg design with curved profiles. The executive desk was matched with the C01 storage and Osmose boardroom table a budget friendly but stylish solution for any executive office. We also supplied the staff changing rooms with 68 secure two door lockers and wooden slatted benches and the staff canteen with flexi tables and butterfly canteen chairs which were chosen for their overall quality and competitive pricing.

We were extremely happy to have been selected by Dorsett’s Hong Kong procurement team to be their favoured furniture supplier and have since been working with them on existing and future projects.

'I would say the quality of the furniture is of good order, the design pieces of Hilary's office works very well. The three desk sizes have worked well with the space we have in the basement and are holding up for wear and tear. We have only had one desk damaged and this was due to hotel error.

Overall I am satisfied with the product and would like to use them for further furniture requirements'

Mark Jonathan Heyburn

Operations Manager

]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/how-a-chair-can-save-your-business-money-infographic
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/how-a-chair-can-save-your-business-money-infographic
We have written many ergonomic blogs that outline the importance of having the correct posture when sat in an office chair for a lengthy period of time. A survey that we carried out shows that 41.6 % of office workers have or know someone that has suffered (or is currently suffering) from back pain or other injuries caused specifically by the chair that they use whilst working.

We know that an ergonomic office chair can reduce and prevent these work related injuries, but just look how it could save your business money:

]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/creating-a-multifunctional-training-environment
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/creating-a-multifunctional-training-environment
Training facilities across the country are beginning to reap the benefits of the quick transformation that folding furniture provides. No longer does one room have to be designated to meetings and another elected for exams. Instead of a small sign on the door reading ‘Boardroom 1’ they now should read ‘Whatever you like’.

We work/learn in an era where versatility is key and, if implemented correctly, folding furniture will not only provide the flexibility needed within that given environment, it will also save money due to the space saving resolution it provides. “But the outlay is going to cost money in the first place” I hear you sigh. Maybe... but one thing I’ve learnt during my short career in the office furniture industry is to think of the bigger picture. Think of the benefits that this overhaul will bring. No longer will 10 large rooms be needed for conferences, training days and seminars. Arguably, you’ll only need 3-4 rooms depending on the schedule of your calendar. Think about the space you have at your disposal and the best practices in order to utilise it.

Many people I speak to on a daily basis like to have a designated room for this and a designated room for that. Each to their own, folding furniture isn’t a solution for everyone and doesn’t always coincide with every working environment. However, in the majority of cases I have encountered, folding furniture provides the perfect multifunctional solution.

Things to think about...

Selecting the right tables for the given room requires an understanding of how the room will be utilised. If the room is going to be used for multiple purposes, the style of table should fit that need. If the room is going to be for training, then the traditional rectangular tables may be more ideal. With the introduction of half-moon and trapezoidal folding tables, the standard rectangular shape used for training/exams are not only fit for that single purpose anymore. The designs mentioned above increase flexibility in abundance. For example: your facilities may mean that your conference room also doubles as a training room. Flip Top and foldaway tables prove idyllic for you if your meeting room will be a multipurpose room used for conferences, office parties, seminars – a flexibility that standard workstations just DO NOT possess. A training room within a matter of minutes can be transformed into a conference room. Stack the budget seating and roll in the leather executive chairs.

Every training environment has to be comfortable and have plenty of room for seating. Depending on the nature of the event, conference or class held, your training room should be planned with the course requirements in mind. It’s fundamental that the training facility is designed correctly. He/she who sits and takes an exam in that area potentially has everything riding on the next couple of hours.

Let me leave you with a scenario - You have a potentially profitable meeting where a projector is needed. You have 12 attendees due at the meeting and you have a meeting table which sits 12 people. You think to yourself "we have enough chairs to seat everyone which is great". MISTAKEN!! You may have the whole shebang in terms of furniture and space, but what about the people with their back to the projector? Do you expect them to make notes on their lap whilst juggling their pens and water, it doesn’t really give the right impression now does it?

]]>Thu, 16 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/newton-king-estate-agents-taunton-somerset
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/newton-king-estate-agents-taunton-somerset
Newly established (opened 7/04/15) Estate Agents, Newton King, are an independent agency serving Taunton and the District of Taunton Deane with a comprehensive property sales, letting and management service. After meeting with MD Michael Johnson it is clear that building a rapport with their clients is fundemental to the success of their business. Mission Statement:

"Concentrating on real people and homes, we bring a new generation of ethical and proficient property services to Taunton. Plus, as independents, we make getting it right a priority over balance sheets and work to bring our clients and customers the results they deserve.

If you aren’t happy, then neither are we and nobody will work harder to open more doors for you than we will."

Newton King approached Office Reality once the initial fit out was completed. As soon as the opening phone call was concluded, a site visit with a member of our project/design team was formally arranged in a bid to gain a comprehensive overview of the customers’ requirements and the office space as a whole.

During the meeting, it was clear that our client had a vision for the two part office space already in mind. Front of house and client consultations to take place at the anterior of the building and to the rear of the building a more telesales based working environment.

In order to forfill the requirements of our client – 3 x White 800mm Deep Avalon Conference Workstations were selected to fill the front of house space. This design was agreed due to the versatility it possesses. It provides employees with a comfortable workstation and suitable storage solutions whilst allowing them to hold formal consultations, without moving from their workspace. 2 x (per desk) Envoy black leather conference chairs were selected to surround the circular meeting end, coinciding seamlessly with the visually appealing white Avalon desks.

In any busy working environment it is vital to have a seating area available for anyone waiting to be attended to. Bearing this in mind, the timeless classic ‘Le Corbusier’ 2 seater sofa was selected to add the final touches to this already very inviting office environment.

As previously mentioned the rear of the office space was fashioned to house the sales team, who are unlikely to be spending multiple hours at their desk, but visiting clients and merely using the workspace for setting up meetings and following up leads. 3 x White Avalon Desks 1200mm x 600mm were selected to shape this space. The desks may not seem large enough for some, however, they’re still suitable to accommodate each user contentedly with sufficient room for under desk pedestals. Expansion and growth is always in the forefront of our designers mind and this was no exception.

Newton King Estate Agents were extremely pleased with their new office space and the furniture they received. The building stretches across 3 floors and it became clear that there are future plans to utilise the space for business purposes. We, therefore, hope to be working with Newton King again in the very near future. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael and his team all the best with their new venture.

Michael Johnson the MD at Newton King Estate Agents said:

"Ben was fantastic, he came to our offices in Taunton and carried out a site survey and then came back with plans and artists impressions of his proposed design. The furniture arrived swiftly and I am extremely pleased with the finished product. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Office reality".

]]>Wed, 8 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-surfchem-karachi-pakistan
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-surfchem-karachi-pakistan
Surfactant Chemical Company Plc is an aspiring leader in Surfactants & Specialised Chemicals and manufactures a range of chemicals for – Agrochemical Industry, Paints Industry, Textile Specialities, Construction Industry and Oilfield Chemicals. Their main focus is surfactants and emulsifiers housing massive expertise in emulsification through constant research and development which takes place across Europe, parts of Africa, Far East, Asia and Australasia.

SCC’s main global office is located in the Midlands (Coventry). Coventry may seem the more likely place for us to send furniture, however, on this occasion, we shipped the items out to their offices in Karachi, Pakistan. We teamed up with Rainham based logistics company 'Chaucer Freight' to aid us with the more technical side of the operation. Their expertise in this area allowed us to focus on the client and their requirements.

Surfactant Chemical Company contacted Office Reality back in October 2014 when they wanted to upgrade their current meeting room seating and task chairs. On the rare occasion, our team is faced with a more expansive job when it comes to delivery diagnostics and shipping cost. This proved to be the case. Our sales team remained undeterred by the complications that may be afoot and seen it as a chance to show everyone that Office Reality can adhere to any requirements. Not only when it comes to furniture styles, but now shipping to different locations across the globe.

After multiple discussions and product amendments over the course of a few weeks. Our client decided to proceed with the Elf Leather Executive Chair.

Manufactured in Poland, the Elf chair aptly fitted the criteria given – our client required chairs that gave an executive impression. The chairs distinctive stitching detail firmly endorses the Elf Chairs already lavish image. It was also vital to find a seating range that corresponded with Surfactant Chemical Company’s brand colours which are a deep rich red. It was paramount to both Office Reality and the client to get this first time round (as always), due to the location of the delivery.

SCC were overjoyed at the arrival of their new seating range and the quality of the furniture received and promised to revisit officereality.co.uk if anything else in their Karachi offices needs upgrading.

"We received the chairs and many thanks for your efforts and cooperation; you have been very patient and very cooperative and I appreciate your support throughout".

]]>Wed, 1 Apr 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-g3-communications-london-se1-0bs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/case-study-g3-communications-london-se1-0bs
G3 Communications provides communications, voice and data technology and network security with high customer service and support levels. They have a long standing partnership with manufactures of voice and data technology which puts them at a strategic advantage in the markets that they serve. Their mission statement reads:

G3 Comms will provide business transforming communication, collaboration and ongoing services solutions that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for our customers.

G3 Comms contacted Office Reality when they learnt they were soon to be relocating their offices and needed to accommodate for their expanding workforce. A member of our project management team discussed the relocation with the director in person and analysed the available space they had in order to accommodate the whole team and future team members.

Initially the first proposal consisted of banks of Avalon desks each measuring 1200mm x 800mm which seems to be a standard size now predominantly in the London area where space is at a premium. It’s still enough however to accommodate each user comfortably with enough room for under desk pedestals.

During the design process we switched the regular straight desk on the south side of the office over to a more interesting 120 degree style of desks from our Avalon Plus range. These desks are combination desks where the pedestal drawers make up part of the leg structure which is a great space-saving and stylish solution. The pedestal and legs are available in white, grey and black and can be combined with contrasting desk tops available in 15 different wood finishes.

We supplied G3 Comms with frosted acrylic desk top screens which featured their logo on one side and another sister company’s logo on the other. These bespoke screens enhance the company branding and act as a visual reference and guide throughout the two sister companies.

We also proposed various full height storage wall solutions which were placed across two areas in the office one smaller unit behind the reception area with the storage wall doors featuring the dynamic G3 Comms logo. The secondary storage wall ran along the main office wall with each module containing metal adjustable shelves and roll out filing frames all behind 18mm thick lockable doors which can be interchanged if necessary.

G3 Comms were extremely pleased with their new offices and furniture specifications and we continue to work with them as their preferred commercial furniture supplier and space planning consultants.

Adam Young the director of G3 Communications said:

Office Reality, in particular Angela and the Installation Team provided and implemented a furniture refit project, completing the work to a very high standard. G3 only being a 40 person Company has always struggle with some suppliers, in getting the care and attention we feel that we deserve. Angela and the team provided this in abundance. We would always be happy to be a reference site.

Regards

Adam Young – Owner G3 Communications

]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/fun-creativity-collaboration-inspiration
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/fun-creativity-collaboration-inspiration
Office Spaces across the country are changing and becoming more orientated around staff satisfaction. One day the whole world may be ran by robots, but for the time being us mere humans will shape the successes and failures of the estimated 5.2 million businesses in the UK.

With the above in mind, I want to touch on the subject of injecting some fun into the workplace. By fun, I don’t mean 24hour parties (before you get excited). When changes are afoot within any organisation the first question asked will be “Is it profitable?” and rightly so. Injecting fun, colour and places to unwind into a workplace may seem like an outlay which can be better spent elsewhere, however, profitability (that word again) is directly linked to productivity, which is closely linked to the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of the staff.

If you want your business to prosper and to be profitable, achieving the right office environment will be fundamental to its success. One of the biggest battles you will face when trying to achieve the optimum working environment is identifying the areas that need improving. No one likes to admit their inadequacies (personal or business) however, in terms improvement, it’s paramount to success. Consider the failing characteristics within your current office and consult with your employees on how the idyllic workspace would look because no matter what your business and no matter what your attitude towards fun at work might be, these factors will always remain the same - staff retention, loyalty, satisfaction, health and wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

Stress is the main cause of long-term sickness so it is crucial to provide working environments which help to combat the build up of stress levels. Think about introducing more light, plants, add some brighter and more vibrant colours which will entwine effortlessly to add more aesthetic appeal to the office and, therefore, becoming a more inviting place to work.

If you’re on the threshold of undertaking a new office fit-out or office refurbishment, now’s the time to talk before it becomes too late. We have a highly experienced design and project management team at hand, but before calling on their expertise, think of the people closer to home – the Staff. Because, at the end of the day, these are the guys that will be taking you and your business to the next level. Right now it’s not significant whether you feel a games room is an interruption - what’s important is that you are open-minded about potential and opportunity. A games room and gym certainly make you stand out from other recruiters in your working sector, make your staff feel valued and satisfied so they look forward to coming to work.

The word ‘FUN’ can become somewhat misconstrued, especially within the workplace. However, don’t think of the negatives. Link the next few words to the word Fun and see if that helps - satisfaction, solidarity, collaboration, team-building, creativity, inspiration and de-stressing.

Google Dublin

]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-art-of-acoustics
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-art-of-acoustics
As the open plan office space increases it’s dexterity onto business owners and office managers across the globe, I thought it would be fitting to delve into the world of acoustics and how they can benefit you and your business.

For anyone working in an open plan office the distraction and annoyance of colleagues’ conversations and phone calls remain a prominent issue. It is well documented in research carried out over several years that noise in open plan offices causes reduced concentration, subsiding productivity, increased stress and non attendance.

Sound absorbing furniture helps combat open plan office noise problems artistically and efficiently. If there is a lack of meeting rooms within your office space, you can create a space by defining one with an acoustic soft seating area or create a room with meeting pods. Therefore, creating countless imaginative acoustic solutions for your space.

If you are reading this blog, you are wanting answers. Correct? First one being "how is this going to improve workplace productivity?" Swiftly followed by “how much is it going to cost?" Of course, the outlay is always going to be questioned. For this I will use a marketing term – ROI (return on investment). It’s a question that can be answered with another question - How would working in a cluttered office space effect your productivity on an individual level (ask yourself)? From a personal perspective, I would become agitated and I’d be finding it difficult to concentrate. Now, switch that question back to noise and acoustics. How would you work in an environment that is loud and full of employees with no real method of thinking behind the logistics and layout of the office space? I think your answer to this will replicate your answer to the first question. If you have a messy office space – you improve your storage solutions. If you have a loud office space which is having a knock on effect to productivity, the issue is not as easy to rectify. However, it’s an issue that’s never going away. So it needs to be rectified for your businesses sake and for the sake of your employees. Something to think about when you are next in the office.

Acoustic office furniture can be used to create private or social spaces within modern open plan offices. Being proposed to define areas of relaxation, focus for brain storming, having casual team working meetings. Our wide range of sound absorbing furniture found below has been specifically designed to assist with disturbing office sound in very charged open plan offices.

Not only are they significant in reducing noise, they can also be used to create colour. Considerable amounts of our acoustic range is available in vibrant, bright, funky colours, which has also been proven to increase productivity in the workplace. On the flipside, if it’s a more corporate feel you are after or you wish to maintain the company colours that is also a feasible option.

And NO, it won’t reduce sound if you tie an acoustic wall tile to your head. OR WILL IT?

]]>Fri, 6 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/50-shades-of-grey-mr-greys-executive-office-suite
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/50-shades-of-grey-mr-greys-executive-office-suite
I may have mentioned in previous blogs that writing sometimes requires inspiration from a very unlikely source. This is exactly what happened to me yesterday morning.

The valentine’s day release of the record breaking ’50 Shades of Grey’ has provided me with the inspiration for today’s blog (believe it or not). The film has become a global phenomenon, mirroring the novel's success that hit the shelves back in 2011. I was on holiday the week the book was released and every woman and her dog had a copy. I must admit I did take a sneaky peak whilst the wife wasn’t looking (don’t judge me) I wanted to know what the fuss was about. Why has this book taken over the lives of women across the globe? When I heard the film was set for release I knew I needed to do something.

A colleague of mine took his wife to watch the much anticipated film. “So” I hear you say. Understandable reaction. However, hear me out. I’ve been racking my brain for the last couple of weeks, thinking of ways I can utilise the social madness surrounding Mr Grey and his erotic prowess to create some brand awareness for Office Reality, ‘surf the wave' so to speak. But How!! ’50 Shades of Camira Grey’ was one idea but trying to write about 50 different shades of grey fabric proved to be challenging.

Yesterday, my opportunity arose. For those that have watched the sex fuelled box office hit you may have noticed Mr Grey’s executive office space (that is a long shot though). By the sounds of it, the furniture is the last thing anyone will be thinking about. For those that didn’t notice or are yet to watch the film here you go…

Today I am going to help you obtain a modern appealing office space as close to Mr Grey’s as I can physically get it.

Meeting Area (Far Corner)

It seems to me Mr Grey has popped into Office Reality HQ at some point and seen our meeting room, because it’s virtually exactly the same (good taste Mr Grey).

Arkitek Circular Glass Table - The Designer Arkitek glass table would add a touch of class to any office space or meeting room. Its stunning aluminium frame adds real character separating itself from anything else that is on the market.

White Leather Eames Chair - A designer meeting room table deserves to be complimented by designer seating: the white leather eames chair not only provides you with an unrivalled classic look it also boasts a number of adjustable features, making it not only a stylish seating solution, but also a comfortable one.

Small Breakout Area

Mr Grey has decided to stick with the glass and white leather combination in the breakout area. Its aesthetic design would strike any visitor (Anastasia) instantly - leaving them (the visitor) not only mystified by his good looks but the quality and modern look of his office.

Treaty Low Designer Seating – Mr Grey continued with the designer seating and so have I. The Treaty Seating range has a near faultless design and would look the part in any breakout/reception area. The endless amount of fabric/leather colour options only adds value to this ranges appeal.

I thought I’d leave the ‘piece de resistance’ till the end. Mr Grey has seriously pushed the boat out when it comes to his desk, without doubt they’ve tried creating an air of importance and power. It’s the final piece of the jigsaw for any office space, but it’s arguably the most important. I have trawled through our executive and designer desk categories and I’ve selected a desk which I can describe with one word -“WOW”.

ABC Executive Range – If you want to create status in a personal office, you’ve stumbled across the perfect range for you. This desk combines sophisticated looks with a contemporary finish appearance: coming in two finishes, Wenge and Light Oak. The desktop has angular desk supports and aluminium ends with a tapered profile.

Skan Designer Task Chair – An attractive designer office chair that has a ribbed back design contributes to the overall artistic appeal of the chair.

You may not have taken any notice of Mr Grey’s office UNTIL NOW! I advise not to think about it too much when you’re watching the movie. You may lose track and end up analysing your office space to the point you cannot concentrate on the activity happening in front of your very eyes.

So… You now have everything to compete with Mr Grey or create your own Mr Grey. The Book, The Film and NOW his office.

GOOD LUCK and thank you Mr Grey for providing me with this fantastic opportunity, it’s greatly appreciated.

University of the Arts London is a public research university located in London, specialising in art, design fashion and media. It is essentially a hub university compromising six other colleges around the greater London area. It is Europe’s largest provider of education in the arts and manages to bring 19,000 students in from over 100 different countries! We were therefore pleased to hear that they wanted to work with Office Reality in supplying and designing a new reception desk for Student Services.

The reception desk had to be fairly large and needed to accommodate at least three staff members who would be manning a busy desk in order to provide students with vital information. We also needed to incorporate a DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) section which would be low level giving wheelchair users better access. The desk also had to incorporate coloured elements (you would expect this of course being the UAL) as the carpet in the same area was going to be made up of various different colours and different shaped tiles. We were able to meet the requirements of the brief quite early on by quoting and specifying the contemporary Riga Reception Desk which is extremely stylish due to the simplistic modular panel shapes which are available within this range. Adding to the modular panels are rectangular shelves and hang over panels which can either be specified in either at Matt or Gloss lacquer or any RAL colour. In this instance the college opted for the reception shelves and overhang panels in the RAL colour which matched parts of the colour scheme and some carpet tiles.

The results are very pleasing as the desk is extremely functional (from both sides) as the front and side panels are 48cm thick and the RAL coloured shelves give the desk its own identity whilst simultaneously keeping consistent with other colours in the same area. The college also added their own signage to the main front white panel of the desk which clearly states the department of Student Services. The Riga Reception Desk desk really is a great choice for any architects or design teams who want functionality and form with the option of adding their own mark through the use of RAL colours.

The Riga reception desk is manufactured in Italy and is currently on a lead time of 4 – 5 weeks for standard elements and 5 – 6 weeks for customers own RAL coloured elements. Please do not hesitate to contact any team member at Office Reality to discuss The Riga Reception desk or any project which you may be considering.

'Athlete Lab is a unique indoor experience. They provide real bikes (not spin bikes), in a convenient location, with the very best coaches. They cater for complete beginners to national level athletes. The coaches at Athlete Lab implement the Shane Sutton Method which is a proprietary, easy-to-use, world class training protocol suitable for all levels'. This is also matched with technical data which is supplied to each user during each session.

Athlete lab is strategically placed within the city of London in the heart of the business and financial district making it more appealing to those wanting to achieve training results between busy work schedules. They are two more similar labs in Singapore and Sydney where it was first established in 2012.

Athlete lab contacted Office Reality a few months before officially opening their doors as they wanted to make sure their reception area and reception desk worked with their existing branding which evidently had cross appeal within the business, cycling and triathlon fraternity. After a few discussions and research with the Athlete lab design team it was clear that the most suitable solution in this instance would be the Valde reception unit with inbuilt led lighting on both the underside of the top counter and above the kick plate. The LED lights on the desk give the reception area the technical look which fits in with the culture of the company. The Valde unit also comes with high gloss coloured fronts in lime green, orange, red, black and white. In this instance the white gloss front panel was selected and measured in total 2346mm which is enough for two receptionists to work from comfortably. The Valde desk usually comes with storage units each side but on this occasion perhaps for space saving reasons they were omitted and replaced with the standard panel ends. Underdesk pedestals were supplied instead for each receptionist’s personal belongings and files.

I was impressed with the Athlete Lab concept when visiting because it struck me that sometimes amateur and professional athletes need that extra attention that some gyms or spin classes may neglect. On top of that keeping to a training regime whilst working in the city must be difficult without this state of the art facility. The use of real bikes would also seem to help as it simulates muscles within the legs and body that some standard spin bikes could not utilise due to the mechanical set up. There were also big screens at the front which encompassed a whole wall simulating a road race which would give those in training a real boost if they were on the back wheel of their cycling hero!

Anna Mc Kay from Athlete lab commented:

'Our reception desk at Athlete Lab fits in perfectly with our modern, state of the art, high tech fitness studio based in the centre of London. Office Reality provided a fast, efficient and friendly service for which we are thankful. We would happily recommend them to others'.

]]>Mon, 9 Feb 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/is-relocation-always-the-answer
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/is-relocation-always-the-answer
Let me answer that question with another question – Is your current location convenient for staff, clients, or company growth? If the answer is no then relocation should be at the forefront of your thoughts.

Today, I want to take a look at the people that have answered “YES” to the (directly) above question.

Sometimes an office space can have a negative effect on staff morale - leading to reduced productivity levels. The most important feature of good office design is functionality but too often offices are jam-packed with poorly placed furniture, equipment and supplies that make small offices completely dysfunctional.

An office environment that has not been renovated in years can become the norm. "If it isn’t broke don’t fix it” some may say. OK… I can agree to a point, however, I have a ‘good’ car, but I’ll probably still buy a new one in the near future. Why? Because the technology and appearance will make me feel joyful, I don’t mind spending more hours of the day in it. The latter part of that sentence is what I want you to think about as you meander your way through today’s blog.

Office Design – But Where Do I Start?

Occasionally, all it takes is a new pair of eyes. Someone who has a FRESH perspective on the environment you see day in day out. Professional workspace designers enter an office with no preconceptions, just an open mind with a number of great ideas.

The unique processes we follow are very simple - we carry out a detailed analysis of your desired space, your requirements and your budget for the project. It’s imperative that we establish your requirements from design and planning, all the way down to future intentions of the company for example: if you have plans to expand the workforce, or, on the other hand to downsize. They also have to think about practical issues such as: IT infrastructure, power needs and furniture and how to achieve optimum effectiveness in the working environment.

Just a couple of questions you may face from our project managers - What kind of office design best suits the working processes and culture of the organisation? Would enclosed offices or a more open plan working environment be better? It’s imperative our team get it right first time round, hence why so many questions are asked. No stone should be left unturned.

Designing the perfect small office requires a combination of creativity and vision as well as a complete understanding of your business practice. Our experienced team has a wealth of knowledge in the design field. If you are unsure about how to put the wheels in motion for your NEW office space why not give them a call.

]]>Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cj-systems-happy-new-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cj-systems-happy-new-office
Office Reality's headquarters are based at Westpark 26, a business park of 40 acres which have been built and developed by Summerfield Developments. Current developments on the site include a Marston’s Pub, a 40 bedroom Travelodge and industrial units all occupied by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) such as West Country Foods, Somerdale, Weightron Bilanciai and K – Signs all successfully operating within the units of Phase 1. Many more businesses are expressing their interest in Westpark 26 due to the excellent transport links being near approximate to junction 26 of the M5 and on one of the main through roads the A38.

We were therefore pleased to learn that our IT support company CJ systems were planning to relocate from Taunton to Westpark 26 and occupy a unit close to where we are currently situated. Having visited our offices and after discussing our expertise within the field of commercial fit out and office furniture solutions they asked for our help with offering them a complete turn - key solution for their new premises.

They wanted a non-fussy yet practical environment lending towards a more industrial look which is popular these days with white bench desking some soft seating and some break out furniture near to the kitchen area. We left some structural elements of the mezzanine exposed and segregated the flooring from carpet in the office area to a practical vinyl in the kitchen area. We installed a new range of bench desking called A2 which is the predecessor of our popular Astro Arche range, the main differences consisting of a reduced depth of each desk to 700mm from 800mm and a new scalloped desk top which enables cables to feed through with minimum interruption. Acrylic white screens were installed along with a new range of stylish mesh chairs with headrests which have been well received by the office furniture industry and marketplace.

We wanted to take parts of CJ systems branding and added orange and grey to the Venus Tub Chairs in contrasting just colour vinyls (Cheiftan fabrics Tangerine and Greyfriar) with a chrome base. These sit alongside our stainless steel based coffee table with 25mm laminate white top, the same style base is used for the taller poseur height table within the kitchen area with 2 x Xavier Pauchard stools which is in keeping with the industrial look.

We also worked with K signs who are responsible for the main sign and the graphics on the door.

Chris Stilton of CJ systems commented:

"We are really pleased with our new offices, our expectations have been completely surpassed. We gave Office Reality the freedom to come up with a design based around an industrial style in keeping with the unit and our working requirements.

Not only did their design tick all the boxes, they gave us extra elements which we never would have thought of adding ourselves. The desks and desk chairs in particular are amazingly practical, stylish and very comfortable. The break out areas are in keeping with our branding and give the office different levels and aspects which are very eye catching.

I cannot praise the team at Office Reality highly enough and would recommend them every time."

]]>Fri, 9 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-space-survey-findings
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-space-survey-findings
During the Christmas period it’s fair to say the Office Furniture world becomes a tad quiet, which allows me to examine the latest goings on. I stumbled across an Office Space survey conducted by Expert Market. The results are somewhat surprising to say the least.

More than half of employees prefer a private workspace, while open plan office workers often experience too many distractions to work efficiently, according to latest findings.

Office equipment specialist ‘Expert Market’ conducted a survey which revealed that 54% of workers would prefer to work in an isolated office space, whilst 65% said that lack of natural light adversely impacted their mood during the working day.

"Employees reported that the open-plan design of many offices encouraged a negative sense of competition between staff and a hostile working environment that pitted colleagues against each other" - a statement from Expert Market

According to the findings, ‘peace and quiet’ was fundamental to increasing productivity in the work place. 37% of the 1060 questioned said they’d prefer a quiet office over regular breaks and even cake. If I put the same question to my colleagues here at Office Reality, I know 80% of them would choose cake over peace and quiet every day of the week.

Open plan office spaces have been on the increase for many years now. With office designers, business owners and managers often keen to put emphasis on a ‘collaborative’ working environment, these findings slightly shock me. In a quest to boost team morale through a relaxed and less formal environment, companies may have achieved quite the opposite.

Having worked in both an open plan office and a more solitary office space, I have to say open plan office design increases productivity. However, this is just my personal opinion. There are a lot of key factors to look at when designing a new office space but getting it right is paramount to the productivity and happiness of any given workforce.

Tony Nguyen of Expert Market said: "the findings urge us to question whether a cheaper office structure is really saving an organisation money or costing the business dearly through decreased morale and productivity?"

Key findings:

- 54% claimed they would prefer to work in separate offices

- 37.6% said a quiet office would improve their working day the most

- Respondents ranked a poor computer as the most frustrating piece of equipment which had the most impact on morale at work

- 65% said having no natural light negatively impacted their mood

]]>Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/could-you-design-the-new-thames-bridge
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/could-you-design-the-new-thames-bridge
If you think the answer is yes, then this blog will be right up your alley.

London is planning a second pedestrian bridge near the Battersea Power Station development. This may all seem normal at first. A new bridge is to be erected in London, why does that affect me and why should I be interested? Good question. The London Borough of Wandsworth launched an international design competition last week to propose a structure which will span the River Thames between Nine Elms on the south bank and Pimlico on the north bank.

Are you an up-and-coming architect, or an ambitious engineer? Do you have the belief and ideas to become an international phenomenon? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to spring board your career in design. Not a bad way to start is it?

The brief is for a pedestrian and cycle crossing, and is part of a wider £1 billion infrastructure plan for the Nine Elms district. A tube station for the Battersea Power Station redevelopment is also part of the plan, which includes projects by architects Foster + Partners, Frank Gehry and BIG.

The bridge is expected to cost around £40 million and carry in the region of 9,000 pedestrians and 9,000 cyclists daily.

Open to architects and engineers, entrants to the first round of the two stage competition will be asked to tackle five vigorous design challenges. This is understandable given that it’s going to cost £40 million and be seen by millions of visitors every year.

The jury includes architect Graham Stirk of London firm Rogers Stirk Harbour, engineer Henry Bardsley, head of urban design at Transport for London (TFL) Robin Buckle, Design Council trustee Pam Alexander and Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia.

"This bridge needs to be designed to the highest quality standards, it must be inspiring, elegant and functional" said Govindia. "The conundrum of creating a bridge that can be readily used by cyclists and pedestrians alike, that also provides adequate headroom for river traffic, is at the heart of the challenge."

"The design must also win the hearts and minds of Londoners, particularly the people living in the local area" he added.

I think I must have covered everything to get the so called 'juices flowing' for anyone who is interested.

One last parting word, as I walk into the social stratosphere to tell everyone about this. If you have read this article and entered we would love to know how it goes. You never know, the person to win the competition may have entered from Office Reality’s blog post. WE LIVE AND HOPE.

GOOD LUCK!!!

]]>Thu, 11 Dec 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/an-office-reality-christmas
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/an-office-reality-christmas
The festive period is now in full swing. Trees are popping up around the office, tinsel draped over the desks and staff are now sporting their favourite Christmas hats. Maybe your boss has turned up as Santa. It’s my favourite time of year and in terms of Office Design and furniture this year, it must be yours as well.

In recent years, business has seen quite a rapid decline in terms of sales and queries during the month of December. However, this year, customers appear to be more active than ever. Why?? It’s difficult to say. If you’re reading this blog there is quite a large chance you are a previous customer or a future customer. So, you tell me!

In the office furniture world many things are made to order, which lead to lengthy delivery times around Christmas which are made even longer by factory shut downs. But, as I mentioned earlier, this year is different. Long lead times are not putting customers off.

Has your business had a great year? Has your workforce been extra productive throughout the year? Why not reward yourselves with new Office Furniture?

As I write this blog, many of you reading will be sitting in an Office environment. This year instead of a Christmas bonus have you asked for new seating? Instead of wine and hampers, have you asked for cable management trays? Both of the scenarios I’m pretty sure have never happened. But from someone who works with furniture on a daily basis, I really hope it is (of course I’d say that).

I’m not sure if you read our blogs on a regular basis or if you’re a first time visitor to the site (if so welcome) but I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support over the year and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

From all the team at Office Reality.

]]>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/google-kings-cross-move-delayed
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/google-kings-cross-move-delayed
Google is forever making changes. However, since the release of penguin 3.0 it’s gone a little quiet for the search engine giant. UNTIL NOW!

I’m not sure if you’re aware of the plans google have in place for their brand spanking new offices set to cost around 1 BILLION pounds in Kings Cross, London, but for once google's plans have reached a stumbling block. No, it’s not a lack a cash (the project will only put a minor dent into the 2013 4th quarter income which stood at $3.38 billion). Neither is it a problem with planning permission. Google feel that the current ideas are not farfetched enough. The chief of search engines and now office design never ceases to amaze me.

The vision from the outset was to bring all their London Offices under one roof. 4,500 employees for that matter. It’s being dubbed as the “landscraper”. This could be down to 920,000 square feet of space it’s set to cover. Not only that, the building will stand 11 stories high.

Location highlighted in red

“Not ambitious enough” is a quote that really stands out to me. You would think an indoor football pitch, rooftop swimming pool and climbing wall may be perceived as showing a little bit of ambition wouldn’t you? Employees will also have micro scooters allowing them to whizz from A to B quickly and efficiently. Traffic lights could be the missing part of the jigsaw puzzle, however, this is google I am talking about who are always looking for new ways to surprise us. It’s genius really. Google want to give their workforce the best chance of achieving greatness for themselves and google as a whole.

The belief behind all of this is to “encourage casual meetings within the workforce”, according to Google. What this basically means is that the social activity developed by the facilities will hopefully increase the levels of productivity and imagination of its staff, with laptops or tablets never being far away when inspirational moments occur. Firms like Google attract employees from many different backgrounds and cultures and integration is vital if success is to be achieved.

Google's Outlook

“You come to a city to meet people who aren’t like you, who have different ways of seeing the world. The street life is incredibly important for why you live in a city”, said Allford. Taking that idea of life into the building, the social space will make what Google calls positive friction. You want people to get to their desk and do work, you want them to get around, but you don’t want them to miss each other.

We worked with Bilton and Johnson to supply their client with reception furniture in Maidenhead which consisted of the Valde reception desk (in white and lime green with LED lighting on the underside of the counter and top part of the kick plate) Zoron tub chairs and Bobbin glass coffee table. We helped with the initial stages by talking through the various different reception desk options until it was decided that the Valde would work within the required layout and be aesthetically pleasing due to the inbuilt led lights. We were then given the floor plan for the proposed area and worked each specific product range using our CAD space planning programme pCon. We were able to submit a detailed dimensioned 2D drawing of the desk and a fully rendered 3D model of the desk clearly showing the high gloss white front and led lights which are featured within the Valde range.

The client was very happy with the furniture we supplied and hopes to work with Office Reality on future projects in the very near future.

For more details on the Valde reception desk please do not hesitate to contact us.

We were approached by Dale Maintenance to modify an existing Avalon Reception desk configuration (avalon reception desk composition 18) on our web site for a new student housing company block in Bristol. The Avalon reception desk worked well in this instance as it was on a quick lead time, was available in white, and had the necessary modular part to achieve the correct layout. We have supplied many schools, hospitals, universities, college’s large corporations (Pet’s at Home) with the Avalon reception desk simply because it can be configured to client’s specification and is hardwearing and durable from both sides.

We have since been asked to supply the Avalon desks for student housing companies throughout various locations around the UK.

Pcon Cad Image

]]>Wed, 5 Nov 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-reality-joins-the-movember-movement
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-reality-joins-the-movember-movement
So ladies and gentleman, November is nearly upon us. Christmas is on the horizon, Halloween takes place this Friday and bonfire night is next week. It’s an exciting time of year. But, there is one big event I’m missing out… MOVEMBER!

Office Reality is pleased to announce their participation in this year’s Movember challenge.

Why are we partaking? Well the answer to that question is simple. We want to raise money and awareness to help combat one of the biggest killers of young men – prostate cancer.

Many of the men in the office are clean shaven, which should make for interesting viewing in the mornings. As I sit here writing this blog I sit with a full face of facial hair, which I’ve had since I was 16, and the thought of shaving it all off on Thursday evening doesn’t excite me too much. But, it’s for a great cause, so why not? We will be sharing all of our pictures with you throughout the month. Our photo sessions begin this Friday. Everyone involved will be turning up to work clean shaven for their mug shots. Every Friday morning we will have our pictures taken to show you guys how our MO’s are coming along. Our weekly MO updates will be posted to our social networks in the afternoon.

The History behind Movember

The Movember Foundation is an Australian based, non-profitable, charitable organisation that implements the Movember event each year across the globe.

The Movember event creates awareness around men's health issues, saving and improving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems by raising funds for carefully selected beneficiary partners in every country involved.

Since its inception as a formal charity in 2004, Movember has raised over £346 million (GBP) globally, significantly increasing awareness of prostate cancer in the community, and is continuously working to change the attitude men have about their health.

Movember's beneficiary partner in the UK is The Prostate Cancer Charity, which was set up in 1996. In its relatively short life, the Charity has played a key role in raising both public awareness of the disease and political debate about services and support. They aim to provide hope for tomorrow through the research that they fund and practical support for today through their extensive and growing information services.

All funds raised by Movember in the UK stay in the UK and go directly to The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Visit our Team Fundraising Page

Please help us build awareness of this fantastic cause by sharing our story with your friends. Together we can tackle the issue that affects over 40,000 men in the UK every year.

We will keep you posted throughout the course of the month. It would be great to hear your thoughts on the office moustaches.

Thanks for reading. Click below to make a difference.

]]>Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-apprentice-returns
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-apprentice-returns
The hit show led by business tycoon Sir Alan Sugar and trusty sidekicks, Karen Brady and Nick Hewer returned for its tenth series last night.

Since starting in February 2005, the BBC reality television show has seen a massive increase in viewing figures. Back in 2005 the average number of viewers per episode was 2.6 million, vastly different to the 7.35 million viewers per episode last year.

20 candidates started the daunting process, all competing for that one very important position; to become a 50/50 business partner with Sir Alan Sugar. What I love about the show is the drama that surrounds it. Some episodes remind me of another show on the BBC, ‘EastEnders'. "She did this”, “he did that”, “someone stole my toothbrush.” I could go on all day. However, I admire the candidates' determination and will to succeed. Many will crush the opposition’s dreams to come out on top. The phrase 'dog eat dog world’ will be used throughout the series I’m sure.

With all the above in mind, I thought I’d conjure up a potential business plan of my own, using office furniture as the catalyst. I’m 99.99% sure that this idea will never come to fruition, however, I remain optimistic.

PLEASE NOTE: If I see my idea making millions in years to come, I would expect some sort of cut, please bare this in mind when pitching your ideas to ‘The Dragons’ or ‘Sir Alan Sugar’ himself.

I have one idea and one idea only!!!

Double Decker Desks

I can feel the air of anticipation already!!

“How does it work?" I hear you ask. Well, the office chair that looks like it’s floating on air will have a lift mechanism attached, very similar to a stair lift. Once you’ve fastened your obligatory seat belt, you will be slowly and safely transported into your mid-air workspace. The top desk comes complete with a wireless remote control, ensuring impeccable positioning (I’ve got everything covered). The top desk will be attached to the lower one, preventing any flying desk accidents. During my imaginary survey, 53% of participants thought the above was the most dangerous aspect.

Ok ok, I know what you’re thinking "there are a lot more pressing issues"! Don’t worry I’ve thought about that too. The most complicated issue being who will get the top office desk and who will have to remain at floor level? This issue will be clarified with a simple coin toss. Heads you’re top, tails you’re bottom.

Just think of the space you would save, instead of having issues regarding the width and length of the room, you’ll become more worried about the height of the room. Two desks is my limit though, imagine having 5? The more I think about it, the more I think it could work. I genuinely think I may be onto a winner here.

Which team will be heading to the café tonight I wonder?

]]>Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/one-mans-trash-is-another-mans-treasure-
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/one-mans-trash-is-another-mans-treasure-
I’m sure you’ve all heard of ‘upcycling’ but for those of you that haven’t, it’s the process of turning something old or unusable into something useful. Often better than the original and more than likely will be unique. In simple terms upcycling is taking an old torn and stained shirt and redesigning it to make it into something useable. Recently more and more designers are upcycling, creating unique and stylish designs. You can literally upcycle anything from drinks cans, pre-consumer waste and even old t-shirts. You don’t need to look far to find interesting and exciting upcycled products that are environmentally aware and stylish; I have seen a plethora of different uses for even something as simple as a drink’s can, from lanterns and candle holders to toys and even lampshades made entirely from the ring-pull at the top.

Here at Office Reality we are particularly proud of our ‘Buzzispace’ range, in which all the products are made from upcycled materials. Buzzispace is a great example of Eco-fashion mixed with inspirational design made entirely from upcycled products. Buzzispace really does add meaning to the old maxim of ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Buzzispace’s philosophy of ‘cradle to cradle’ which stands for the processing of environmentally friendly products, recycling and the conscious use of raw materials. The outcome is a fantastic range of cutting edge style with a quirky and vibrant edge that will bring life and vigour to any work place. Buzzispace’s acoustic products work excellently to create your own area of tranquillity within the hectic work environment. The whole Buzzispace range is on the cutting edge of modern design with vibrant, striking, and pulsating products that will be sure to liven up any work or home environment.

This range ties in perfectly with the modern world as climate change is on the rise with the polar bears running out of places to live these upcycled products have never been important. Why produce more materials when you can make exceptional, contemporary products from other people’s waste?

]]>Thu, 9 Oct 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-versatile-option-folding-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-versatile-option-folding-furniture
At Office Reality, we take a great deal of pride in the choice and value shown across all of our furniture ranges, and this is apparent from our collection of folding furniture.

Adaptability and practicality are just a couple of words that spring to mind when discussing the benefits of folding furniture.

Folding furniture has, in the past been misconstrued as being cheap and tacky, however, folding furniture is now contemporary and value for money.

Lack of space is a hurdle many of you will run into when designing a new layout and folding furniture will quickly eradicate this issue!

All of our tables are delivered free to mainland UK, and come with at least 12 months warranty as standard. Whatever your needs or budget, we have the products for you.

The practical choice for office spaces

Traditionally, folding furniture has provided enhanced mobility and customisation at the price of quality and style; making them unsuited for widespread professional use, especially in office environments. No company wants to project a low quality or substandard image, especially if clients frequently visit, but the convenience of folding office seating and tables is still difficult to pass up.

That’s why our wide range of deluxe folding tables is so exciting. Businesses are now able to furnish their office spaces in a way that ensures easy customisation and promotes a sense of stylish quality. The Kite 750 range, in particular, offers a modern, stylish design; while also being exceptionally easy to fold away and store. This level of quality and functionality is essential in office furniture for fast-paced modern work places.

Flexible furniture for schools and village halls

With classrooms required to cater to a wider range of activities and lesson types every term, folding school furniture provide the functionality that modern schools demand. Folding plastic chairs provide versatile and durable seating, while deluxe flip top tables can transform any space into an attractive dining area for students. This is doubly useful for schools now that all English children in the first years of school are entitled to free school meals; our range of folding furniture allows schools to quickly compensate for the increased demand.

For village halls with limited floor space, folding furniture allows for the hosting of a wide variety of functions, regardless of the space required, or the number of guests attending. The additional mobility of folding furniture leaves village halls with numerous options; chairs and tables can be setup outside, inside, and in any configuration with absolute ease.

]]>Thu, 25 Sep 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-seating-buyers-guide
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-seating-buyers-guide
In my humble opinion, office chairs don’t receive the attention they deserve. More consideration is paid to the desk you sit at. Obviously, the office desk and surrounding office design is crucial to productivity, however, the office chair shouldn’t be the last thing on your check list. When you sit at work all day, your office chair can make all the difference. An uncomfortable or improperly adjusted office chair can have a knock effect to your efficiency within the work place. Furthermore, poor posture can lead to neck problems, back pain, headaches and even digestive problems. Issues that could have a detrimental effect on your life outside of work.

Throughout this blog, I will be giving advice on exactly how to find the perfect office chair to suit your requirements.

Comfort

Seats should be wide enough to support an even distribution of your weight. While seated, your feet should rest flat on the floor and feel comfortable. A height adjustable chair will help you accurately find this ideal position.

A seat with a waterfall edge (a slope at the front) promotes better leg circulation. The seat should comfortably support your thighs and leave no pressure behind your knees.

For the ideal seating position, your eyes should be level with the screen, with your feet flat on the floor and your wrists resting on the desk. Your shoulders and back should be relaxed to keep good posture.

If you are not going to be using your office chair that frequently, you might not need to look for many additional features. Nevertheless, if you use the chair for long periods of time, you'll certainly appreciate having a range of adjustment features.

Office Chair Feature Functions/Benefits

Adjustable height/gas lifts - Height adjustable functions provide an easy way to adjust the height of your seat, while providing a more cushioned feel. If you want to sit comfortably on the same chair every day, it's a good idea to raise or lower the seat until you can rest your feet flat on the floor so you're not restricting the blood supply to your lower legs and feet.

Lumbar/back support – Lumbar support is provided through gentle curves in the backrest of the chair or inserts placed into the body of the backrest. Lumbar support can be adjusted to support your back in the areas where you need it most, promoting good positioning and evading strain.

Tilt - Tilting the seat widens the angle between your body and thighs, this sends more oxygen to your muscles and helps you to breathe better. Tilt the chair forwards or backwards until you find an angle you like and then simply lock it in place.

Swivel - Most office chairs can swivel around 360° on their base, giving you excellent manoeuvrability. This makes it easy to reach other parts of your desk without twisting or injuring your back.

]]>Thu, 25 Sep 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/coolest-office-spaces
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/coolest-office-spaces
Today, I want to take a look into some of the coolest office designs on the planet. Office environments have changed in such a short amount of time. Gone are the days of a basic office chair, office desk and the good old dial up internet connection (greatly missed). Exciting advances in technology and office furniture have combined to create some of the coolest office spaces ever (that and the very creative minds behind the ideas). ENTER THE MODERN ERA OF OFFICE DESIGN!!!!

Who: Red Bull

Where: Soho, London

Why: Where do I start with this one? The picture sort of does the talking. Stairs OR Slide? I know which one I’d choose. The funny thing is, ‘Red Bull’ are one of the only companies on the globe to have a height restriction on their application form (you must be this high to ride the slide) still, this may not be true! A ping pong meeting room table is something I will be discussing in the near future with my MD (watch this space). Red Bull have created an office environment that integrates office work with an element of fun. Staff would surely prefer being in work than actually being at home. Genius in my eyes.

Who:Google

Where:Victoria, London

Why: This blog wouldn’t be complete without search engine giants ‘Google’ making an appearance. The bizarre, eccentric designs were created by some of the brightest engineers In the UK. The relaxed environment which was created allowed the engineers and designers to put together their creative minds, producing one of the most fascinating office spaces in the UK.

The office space combines radical designs with more traditional designs, creating a modern office. Secret gardens on the roof terrace, a rustic cafeteria area, ‘padded cell’ meeting rooms and a ‘flower power boardroom’, to name a few add to the HQ’s already flawless image.

Who: Innocent Drinks

Where: Kensel Rise, London

Why: Otherwise known as ‘Fruity Towers’. Innocent HQ strikes me as a stereotypical village fair. A village fair at work? I'd be more than happy with that. Fake grass, picnic benches, communal seating areas, table football, and my personal favourite, the nearly extinct, traditional, English ‘Red Telephone Box’. Oh, and the entrance that greets employees every day gives you an insight into the company as a whole. Using wit and humour to sell products is a fantastic marketing ploy.

Who:Nicholas Tye Architects

Where:Bedfordshire

Why: This stunning office space in Bedfordshire provides a spectacular panoramic view of the countryside surroundings, giving employees the perfect setting to be creative and to be inspired. Furthermore, the tranquil setting gives staff the peace and quiet they need for their working days.

The 4 office spaces I’ve chosen are ones that strike me, personally, as stand out office spaces. Being an employee at places that provides you with an environment not only to cater for you work needs but creating an environment which also stimulates your social needs. The above office designs, I believe work on the basis of "if we satisfy all of your needs within the workplace, you’ll satisfy all of our needs regarding the work you produce". I may be wrong! What do you guys think??

]]>Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/breakout-seating-areas
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/breakout-seating-areas
Breakout seating areas are becoming more and more popular throughout workplaces across the UK. A well designed communal breakout area will not only increase morale, it will bring an upturn in staff interaction and team building, providing the perfect space to break away from the working day.

When planning a new breakout seating area, there is some essential criteria you may want to adhere to. Location is a key aspect, think about noise levels that surround the area. A bright colour scheme is great staff mood lifter. If you are looking to provide an area that will inspire your team, you can reflect this with funky modern furniture with vibrant and wacky colours and finishes. If your team require a more relaxing and tranquil area away from their desks, think about neutral colours and relaxing comfy seating. Remember to keep it simple, don’t overdo it on the furniture. Staff will not congregate in an area if it isn’t comfortable and well presented. Comfortable soft seating and coffee tables is all you need to create an inviting breakout area. It will become a social hub for staff and will also provide an area suitable for informal meetings.

If you stick to the above you will not go far wrong. Once your breakout area is complete, make sure you let your staff know what it’s there for. Encourage your new inspiring zone to the team to maximise its potential.

]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/style-with-a-touch-of-comfort
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/style-with-a-touch-of-comfortToday I look at the latest office furniture trends that not only look the part, but are also practical in their design.

As technology advances so does our office furniture. I'm pretty sure that anyone reading this wasn't sitting on an ergonomic chair 15 years ago, with a flat screen monitor that can be moved into any position because of the attached computer arm. We can now feel comfortable at work. I sit at an office desk all day and due to my comfortable chair, I don’t return home with a hunched back similar to the Disney character ‘Quasimodo’.

By ensuring your workforce is comfortable it will increase morale in the office, which will increase the work productivity. You could try using bright colours to bring the office to life together with ergonomic chairs for comfort and every base will be covered; comfort, design and colour. It has been proved that bright colours in the work place makes for a more positive work force. Red stimulates the body and mind. Orange increases energy levels. White creates a sense of space.

TIP OF THE DAY: Implement colours into your office to bring out better emotions and behaviour.

Many people experience pain and discomfort at work. Whilst these problems can be attributed to a culmination of many factors, e.g. incorrect desk, stress etc. One of the greatest contributors is poor seated posture.

Decent ergonomic seating can reduce the risk of stress and injury to muscles and joints, encouraging movement, variety and flexibility.

Once properly configured, you’ll notice that as you move, the chair moves with you to safely and comfortably support you at all times. You will be less conscious of the chair due to its superior comfort and so you will find that you can concentrate throughout your day’s work. This results in much better productivity and focus on your work. Because the chair is designed to give you proper support, muscles don’t tire nearly as quickly, this improves blood flow helping to keep you feeling much more alert and fresh even when tackling complex problems. You’ll know when you have everything set up to match your body posture because the chair will feel like it fits like a glove.

]]>Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/body-language-in-the-workplace
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/body-language-in-the-workplace
Communication is said to be 20% verbal and 80% non-verbal. If you say something to a person but your body language says the opposite then you will not effectively get your message across

Drawing on my own experiences during my working life, I thought I’d take a look into body language at work. Everyone uses body language throughout their working day and I for one didn't take too much notice, until I read into the expressions and what they meant.

I wanted to write this blog today so you can gain an understanding of the type of person I am. I could quite easily put a picture of myself on each of the blogs I write, however I feel this is far more fun and interesting.

When I arrive in the mornings, I’ll converse with my colleagues about the previous evening, my arms are folded in a somewhat defensive manner. My day is spent mostly in an office chair, to be honest my posture isn’t great, it’s more of a slump, suggesting that I have a lack of energy (this is not the case at all). Saying that, I’m bolt upright whilst putting together this blog, implying I have an air of confidence and authority about me. I much prefer the later of that paragraph and I have decided that commencing now I will maintain an upright posture, holding my head high and keeping my shoulders back. Whilst writing this blog I’ve found myself rubbing my hands together (this usually means I’ll be receiving some money however sadly not on this occasion). This signifies anticipation. What could I be anticipating I wonder? Perhaps positive feedback on the current blog. If this goes in the other direction and I receive negative feedback I may be seen in the office walking with my hands in my pockets, shoulders hunched and feeling dejected.

I suddenly find myself studying my colleagues and their body language which is highly interesting. As your reading this, take a look around your workplace and see if any of your colleagues are currently signalling their feelings through their body language. Below are a few examples to look out for:

]]>Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/digital-i
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/digital-iFormed in 2003, Digital-I source broadcasters and production companies with ratings and reporting solutions specifically tailored to their needs. Digital-I boast a portfolio of clients that range from broadcasters, programme makers and distributors from the UK and around the world.

Following on from an initial telephone conversation with Sam (Managing Director) it was clear what the company represented. Office Reality was asked to create an office space to reflect the company’s image. We invited Sam to visit our head office for a meeting to discuss in length the project at hand. On arrival, Sam requested that their office space mirrored ours, from the office furniture all the way down to the carpet. The location was an empty shell, nothing but a dark dingy old warehouse room. A comprehensive renovation was very much needed to bring this empty space to life.

The Solution

Working with multiple contractors it was imperative to have a solid brief. Value for money is always a fundamental aspect of office design. Everyone has a budget and it is vital to adhere to it. The building was divided into 3 main areas. General work space to fit up to 12 employees, a meeting room with a glass partition, finally and most importantly a chill out area for lunch breaks. Project manager Angela, had a very clear mind set, the building needed to reflect a contemporary, modern working environment, whilst retaining practicality. Office Reality provided all partitions, office furniture and even provided the TV stand for the entertainment system.

The Result

Overall the project was a success for both parties. During the project debrief we asked Sam for his thoughts on the final outcome. "I found Angela's consultations crucial for transforming my initial ideas into a professionally styled and fully furnished office. The project was delivered on time, on budget and all aspects from service to furniture were of a high quality. I would highly recommend Office Reality and look forward to continuing to do business with them."

]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-perfect-time-for-an-office-renovation
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-perfect-time-for-an-office-renovation
Great Britain is currently embracing its warmest month of the year. With this set to continue for the foreseeable future, it leaves me begging the question "what productive things can I do whilst the sun is shining?". Many of you reading this article would probably answer with “Visit the beach" or "finish off the gardening”. This may be the case over the weekend but what about during working hours? The sunshine and warmer months are perfect for reinventing your working environment to give the office workspace a fresh new look which will ultimately inject a bit of motivation into your working week. The last thing you want when redesigning is a cold wet winter’s morning, when your eyes are sleepy and the only thing on your mind is coffee and cake. People’s perceptions change in the summer months, their objectives change. We seem to develop a siege mentality. Everything needs to be done and it needs to be done NOW.

An office project seems like a monstrous task but at Office Reality, we take the pressure off you. Our key objective is to make the customer experience as easy and painless as possible. The distinctive process we follow is very simple; we carry out a detailed analysis of your desired space, your requirements and your budget for the project. It’s imperative that we find establish your requirements from design and planning all the way down to future objectives of the company for example if you have plans to expand the workforce or alternatively to downsize.

After gaining an in depth insight into your company's goals and ambitions, its then time to discuss the furniture you need to bring this to life. We have a highly skilled, proficient sales team with many years of experience that will deliberate what is best suited for your specific requirements. Our broad range of office furniture is built to make sure that we can adhere to every customer’s needs.

With the office furniture now finalised, it’s then onto the price. Our sales team will provide an in depth quotation for your perusal and approval. This contains product descriptions, pictures, amounts, quantities and overall price of the order. An estimated time of arrival will also be given, which will give you time to prepare the office for the furniture’s arrival.

Why wait to see what your office space will look like? After the formalities have been taken care of, we can bring your order to life with our software ‘P CON’.

P Con Image

P Con is similar to other CAD programmes but is specific to the office furniture industry. P Con uses Office Furniture Modelling Language (OFML) which was developed because previous CAD programmes failed to meet the demands of space planners within the office furniture industry. The main problems stemmed from the poor configurability and insufficient product logic of office furniture models within the generics of CAD. P con works like most CAD programmes but makes configuring furniture and planning different models much easier and quicker. This is very useful because the client will want to see maybe two or three different layouts using different furniture models. P con is constantly updating and improving its performance which we welcome at every stage.

Furthermore, we have a professional and highly trained installation outfit, which can take the installation burden off your shoulders.

Office Reality can help you achieve your objectives; obtain your vision all from the ground up.

ANY PROJECT, ANY SIZE, WE CAN HELP.

]]>Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bugatti-inspired-office-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bugatti-inspired-office-desk
Do you have a spare 240k sitting in the bank account? Wondering what to spend it on? Worry no more, the ‘Bugatti’ inspired executive office desk will be sure to put a dent in the bank balance. The inspiration stems from the ‘Bugatti Veyron’ grand prix car of the 20’s and 30’s.

This office desk is a perfect way to say “I’ve got loads of money and I can buy what I want”. Certainly a different way of going about it, but has the same effect all the same.

Designed by the team at Luzzo Bespoke, the office desk features honeycomb grill drawers, a billet aluminium frame and a height adjustment which replicates the Winfield carburettor’s synchro quadrants from a type 57 model. The desk has been finished in French racing blue with a tan leather writing area.

It’s crazy to see an idea like this actually bought to life. Many similar ideas never come to fruition. If you have a passion for classic cars and/or office furniture, this office desk will combine the two. What better location for your laptop or desktop monitor than this savvy creation. Its only downfall is that you must own a Bugatti to be able to purchase one. You could probably purchase the two together for around £1.25 million. A mere drop in the ocean (sense any sarcasm?).

Front View

Rear View

]]>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-reality-celebrates-10-years-in-business
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-reality-celebrates-10-years-in-business
On the 31st May 2014, Office Reality reached a landmark mile stone. 10 years in business, which is a great achievement when you take into account where Paul and Helen, the company's directors, started off all those years ago. When coming up with the idea of building an office furniture company, they were never sure if it would really take off as much as it did. They took every day as it came and built a highly fruitful company from the bottom up. The company you see today is a credit to all the hard work that has been put in by them both over the years.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Office Reality, we headed to ‘Nigel Mansell Raceway’ for a day of go karting. The day was full of laughs and obviously a lot of drama. 10 members of the Office Reality team embarked on this epic journey, a journey which brought out the competitive streak in everyone. We split into groups of five for practice and qualifying. After getting used to the karts (which had a surprising amount of power) it was time to start stepping it up a bit. The day started as a bit of fun, but as the karting wore on it soon became apparent that this was more than just a friendly day out, this was a competition. So with qualifying now in full swing, times began improving. Customer services manager, Tommy, led the first five with a time of 49.263. In the second qualifying heat, designer, Ben, came out on top with a time of 49.174.

Ben had set the pace and he was immediately made favourite at Paddy Power.

As all 10 members took to the track for the first race, which was done in reverse order (quickest at the back, slowest at the front) the tension began to grow. Practice was over and there were no more second chances. If you made a mistake then your colleagues would no doubt hold it against you for the rest of your working days. IT WAS RACE TIME! The engines were revving as everyone anticipated the green lights. The lights changed and in the words of Murray Walker “It’s GO GO GO”! Everyone sped away safely and the race was on. As the quickest from the qualifying made their way through the pack it was marketing co-ordinator, Nathan, who took an early lead which lasted all but 30 seconds. Manager Paul had a small collision with Design/Project Manager Angela, which seemed to upset the apple cart as Paul tried making headway. The field began to thin out and after lap 5 it was sales agent, Ian that led the pack with Tommy in second and former marketing manager, Luke completing the top 3. As the three broke away from the rest of the field, it was obvious the winner of race 1 would be one of these three, baring a big collision. No collision came, the three front runners stayed in that order as they took the chequered flag.

Podium Positions: 1st Ian, with a fastest lap of 0:45.262. 2nd Tommy, with a fastest lap of 0:46.041. Completing the top three was Luke, whose quickest lap was 0:46.018. As everyone left the pits, it was time to discuss the race. Credit controller Andrew, blamed his positioning on his kart having a lack of power in the straights (bad workmen always blame their tools). Sales advisor Mike, who was driving Kart 7, thought that by not coming 7th would be bad for his OCD. After 5 minutes of laughter and pondering about the previous race, it was now time to gather ourselves for the main race where whoever qualified first started at the front and whoever had the slowest time started at the rear of the grid.

As we made our way to the grid in position order, it was apparent that things had now got serious. Medals were at stake. Not only did a sense of pride and fulfilment await the winner, but also bragging rights for the rest of the year.

Main Event Grid:

3rd 2nd Pole

Luke Tommy Ben

6th 5th 4th

Mike Paul Ian

8th 7th

Nathan Alex

10th 9th

Andrew Angela

People’s eyes locked to the track as the countdown began. The lights turned green and the race to the title was on. By lap 3 Delivery driver Alex created a stir by looking to get into a podium position, but he took the same line as Nathan who took it slow which caused Alex to spin off and effectively end his quest for a podium finish. Apologies Alex. Just behind this, more fights for position were taking place, Luke and Ian were having an epic battle when disaster seemingly struck as the two came together and both span out of control. Paul was making his way through the field as everyone in his path decided to take each other out of it. Until he took a corner too wide which led to Paul having a closer look at the barriers around the course. Mike was tailing Paul at this point, with the chance to pass him there for the taking. However, Mike took his eyes off the track and followed Paul into the barrier. Angela (fastest lady) was going about her business as smooth as possible, leaving others to make the mistakes. Ben and Tommy’s colossal battle for 1st place was beginning to heat up. They nearly collided on numerous occasions, until Paddy Power favourite, Ben, made contact with Tommy which led to him hitting a barrier. Ben later claimed Tommy had ruined his weekend (this statement is not true). Tommy led the field, Nathan in second, with Ben in third. The race seemed set to finish this way until a possessed Ian made his way back into contention, cutting through the field clocking up the fastest lap time of the day: 0:43.954. He passed Nathan in second and moved onto Tommy’s tail. It was only a matter of time until Ian passed the leader but the chequered flag was waved as he seemed set to make the move. The race was over. Tommy was the victor on a historic day for Office Reality. Final placing’s: Tommy, Ian, Nathan, Ben, Luke, Alex, Mike, Andrew, Paul and Angela.

Next it was onto the Aviator for a sit down meal. Judging by everyone’s reaction, the day was a big success. What better way to celebrate a huge milestone for the company than with a celebratory cake. Paul and Helen were presented with a collage of Office Reality’s finest moments throughout the 10 years, capping off a brilliant day with a sentimental touch. Everyone within the Office Reality team wishes Paul and Helen more success in the future. Thanks for a great day!!

Here’s to the next 10 years!!!!

]]>Mon, 2 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-boardroom-that-reflects-your-image
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-boardroom-that-reflects-your-image
Day to day staff meetings in your company may often be informal, however, once every so often, you may host that hugely important meeting that could really make or break your company. It’s crucial to make the right impression for your potential clients, prospective investors and business associates.

Follow these simple rules and you will have a boardroom that shows you mean business.

Firstly, you’ll need to ensure that the location is large enough to accommodate the amount of people intended for the meetings. You will also need to ensure the location is quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of the office environment. After you’ve decided on your location, you will need to decide what technology is required within the boardroom in order to facilitate the meetings for example: a TV, power modules, speakers and conference call set ups.

Moving on to the boardroom table, which is arguably the most important part of the room. This is where the big decisions are made so choose wisely. Boardroom tables are available in all designs and sizes with an array of finishes available. Whatever the image you’re trying to portray, we will be able to find something which will reflect that. If you opt for a smaller boardroom table it will create a more intimate setting that’s prone to plenty of discussion. A larger grander boardroom table will accommodate a larger amount of people for the bigger business meetings.

As meetings tend to run for a while, it’s important that your clients are sitting comfortably throughout. A chair that is uncomfortable to sit on may provoke your clients to lose concentration because they are more worried about their aching limbs. It’s very important to get the seating right, and to do this you will need an office chair that not only compliments the boardroom table but also provides a comfortable base for those lengthy meetings. A comfortable client will be happy and fully relaxed.

OfficeReality can help you to achieve this environment. Our highly trained sales team will answer any questions you have regarding your new boardroom. The sales team will have an extensive look into the criteria you’ve provided as well as working with you to develop the vision you’re looking to obtain.

]]>Thu, 29 May 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-2014-wednesday-21st-may
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-2014-wednesday-21st-may
We kicked off our visit to Clerkenwell with a visit to the main Farmiloe building which is a great landmark building for showcasing all the different furniture and lighting manufactures. On entering we passed a huge giant mural wall of 4,224 coloured tiles from Johnson Tiles which no doubt will be uploaded to many social media sites due to the impressive colour range that was put together by colour consultant Ptolemy Mann.

We went on and spoke to a number of independent furniture makers who were showcasing some of their new ranges which proved interesting, as they showed impressive detailing to their products which is something the larger manufactures can’t replicate easily. Peter Wall from Assemblyroom was showcasing the Hyde range - break out furniture which was configurable to make either low seating or high seating. We also spoke to another husband and wife team from Bark who are based in Cornwall who specialise in beautiful handmade wood framed furniture coupled with a retro twist making each piece very unique and intriguing.

The first floor was given over to larger brands who supply Office Reality such as Abstracta (thanks for the bag!) airflake screens, Occee design who manufacture the Venus tub chair, the playful Giggle chair, touch bench and Dorchester sofa. Ocee design previously office chairman have gone through an impressive branding process and the stand looked like it was given over to more domestic style seating products which is currently finding its way in to the office furniture and commercial market.

James Burleigh also has an impressive portfolio which also seems to blend domestic styles with the demands of the commercial environments. The Wagamama bench style seat has remained popular within the commercial sector and James Burleigh has met demands by keeping his designs colourful vibrant and current. We noticed specific detailing to the coloured cable ports on the boardroom tables making what is usually a fairly dull (usually grey or black plastic) necessity in to something quite visually arresting.

We then left the Farmiloe building and headed to the second Venue ‘Detail’ where the main exhibit from Fernando and Humberto Campana was in the impressive setting of the Church of St John. Here we were greeted with the strangest collection of chairs I think we have ever seen! The first two were made out of small blue leather dolphins and the second made up of toy tigers and lions I’m sure we would have problems categorising these types of chairs on our website let alone selling them! However they certainly proved popular amongst the visitors – maybe we will write up another blog on this interesting duo and their working methods.

We then reminded ourselves that we were here to see and source new products from the Office furniture world so without getting distracted by further by chairs made of toys and clothes pegs we ventured further east to the showroom of reputable Spanish furniture manufacture Actiu. We have had a long working relationship with Actiu and their products and production methods are very precise and of high quality. Actiu supply us with the striking Arkitek, central and Vital range and a number of different seating options. We happened to bump in to the Era screen team who were sharing Actiu’s showroom space and demonstrated a new range of noise reducing screen solutions work hubs, study booths, phone booths all under the umbrella name ‘linc’. Accoustics within the working environment is something that can often be overlooked but can have quite an impact your working day if not managed properly. We can offer some great acoustic solutions using this system if it is required in your office.

We then finally moved on to the brand new showroom of GGI who were showcasing some of their new and existing product ranges all arranged around a crazy golf course, make shift bar and ice cream machine! They started us off with the scoop break out seating which is similar to the quba stools but with a wave design across the top which adds a visual interest to any breakout area. Adding to this was a series of stylish tub chairs writing tablets which are great for working in a more informal environment. The arti chair was also different to standard models as the back enables movement due to flexible horizontal slats which is something we have not seen before on other ergonomic chairs.

So there we have it – another successful visit to Clerkenwell during design week 2014. We have a bag full of flyers for new products, suppliers and business cards and we look forward to uploading some innovate new products to our website very soon.

See you next year!

]]>Tue, 27 May 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/creating-an-inviting-reception-environment
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/creating-an-inviting-reception-environment
Many people feel that the Reception is just an area where people check in, sit and wait for appointments. That perception couldn’t be more wrong. If you think about your reception area and how it looks to potential clients, members of the public or just visitors, would you feel invited? Would you understand the company’s image and what the company stands for? If not, then the company is not utilising the areas potential.

To coin a phrase “Never judge a book by its cover”, it is a phrase that has been used through generations and the fact of the matter is PEOPLE DO!! A judgement of your company will be made merely by walking through the door. So, it’s of paramount importance to make sure that your cover looks the part and represents the image of your company.

Why are Reception Areas so important?

Customer’s and potential clients are the ones that keep us all in business and seating for those clients is arguably the most important part of the reception area. Make sure they are comfortable and feel relaxed. If your company has a lot of visitors per day make sure they have plenty of room -the last thing they want is to be practically sitting on the knee of the total stranger next to them. A coffee table always adds a bit of class to the room and also a homely feel. It’s the little touches that add to the character of the reception and thrill potential clients. Try adding a few newspapers or a T.V – it will keep your clients amused and avoid any disappointment if they have to wait. Introduce elements of your company colours in the reception area to ensure brand consistency and pictures that reflect the company’s ethos. Other little touches include a water dispenser or a sign that reads ‘tea and coffee are available for all our clients’.

Now the customers and clients have been looked after, it’s on to the main focal point – the reception desk. Not only will it need to have a great look, it will also need to be suitable for staff requirements. Before making a decision on what reception desk you want, it could be worth having a discussion with the receptionist to see what input they have. After this, you want to think about what desk will reflect the company’s appearance best. Your reception area should be functional, appealing and aesthetically pleasing. One of the fundamental factors to consider is the purposes that this space will serve. If the area will be used for various functions including hosting visitors, receiving and accommodating deliveries, as an unplanned meeting area and so on then crucial features will need to be incorporated into the design.

Seating is important too

Finally, the receptionists’ chairs need to be reviewed as part of the renovation process. The chair needs to be practical and comfortable to ensure a happy receptionist to greet the clients (I can’t see a receptionist being too happy with working for 8 hours a day on a wooden chair do you?) so comfort must be at the forefront of any decision. Design wise, keeping in touch with the appearance of the rest of the reception area is very important. After working so hard on achieving the reception area your company has always wanted, don’t ruin it with a lacklustre decision that could potentially ruin your hard work and attention to detail in every other area.

We understand that the reception area of most businesses is the area that creates a first and lasting impression. It conveys your message to your visitors. Time for a facelift? Have a chat with a member of our design team who will work with you to visualise your face of the future.

Having a history in commercial interior design helps us offer a range of products that suit your business requirements. We work in conjunction with other interior designers, architects, office furniture dealers and manufactures to source the best materials, styles and finishes.

When beginning your journey to attaining that perfect office, reception or boardroom there are a number of steps we take to help you, because we at Office Reality understand that you only get one shot of executing this vision you have. We understand how crucial it is to get it right first time.

An office project seems like a monstrous task but at Office Reality, we take the pressure off you. Our key objective is to make the customer experience as easy and painless as possible. The distinctive process we follow is very simple; we carry out a detailed analysis of your desired space, your requirements and your budget for the project. It’s imperative that we find establish your requirements from design and planning all the way down to future objectives of the company for example if you have plans to expand the workforce or alternatively to downsize. When we are approached by a potential customer, we believe it is key to build a relationship and an element of trust with that person.

After we have gained a picture of you and your ambitions for your project, it’s then time to discuss the furniture you need to bring this to life. We have a highly trained, professional sales team with many years of experience that will discuss what is best suited for your specific requirements. Our broad range of office furniture is built to make sure that we can adhere to every customer’s needs.

With the office furniture now finalised, it’s then onto the price. Our sales team will provide an in depth quotation for your perusal and approval. This contains product descriptions, pictures, amounts, quantities and overall price of the order. An estimated time of arrival will also be given. Which will give you time to prepare the office for the furniture’s arrival.

Why wait to see what your office space will look like? After the formalities have been taken care of, we can bring your order to life with our software ‘P CON’.

P Con is similar to other CAD programmes but is specific to the office furniture industry. P Con uses Office Furniture Modelling Language (OFML) which was developed because previous CAD programmes failed to meet the demands of space planners within the office furniture industry. The main problems stemmed from the poor configurability and insufficient product logic of office furniture models within the generics of CAD. P con works like most CAD programmes but makes configuring furniture and planning different models much easier and quicker. This is very useful because the client will want to see maybe two or three different layouts using different furniture models. P con is constantly updating and improving its performance which we welcome at every stage.

Take a look below at the project we have had the pleasure of working on using the industry software P Con.

Now you know what we do here at Office Reality, it’s now up to you to put your faith in us to achieve the environment you or your company have been craving.

]]>Fri, 16 May 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ocpss-project-londons-financial-district
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ocpss-project-londons-financial-district
We were approached by Simon Oliver from OCPSS, who had been appointed to project manage the design and fit out of two financial companies merging together in the heart of London’s financial district.

The building was over 5 floors and Simon worked with Office Reality in order to specify the furniture throughout. We sent a number of sample chairs and desks in order for the client to see first-hand what they would be receiving and the following products were successful:

116 - ECT Mesh backed chairs with integral coat hanger on the back - useful to hang your jacket on after a hard morning trading.

54 - Freestanding screens with tackable membrane.

7 - Cirrus boardroom tables (not on website) but from the same family as Nimbus. These boardroom tables are hand made from 40mm veneer, stained by hand to Wenge (dark wood) with lift out flaps on the top of the tables, leading to a wooden box which holds all the power modules and cables. The table tops are supported by a chrome leg double upright leg which is extremely sturdy and runs centrally. The legs are supplied by a high quality manufacturer who manufactures for Hands Wycombe, another highly reputable office furniture supplier. 3mm Harwood edged lipping. We also supplied matching credenza in the same Wenge finish. We supplied CAD drawings detailing every aspect of the table and showing exactly where the lift up flaps and legs would be situated. The boardroom tables have been very well received by the client and on the opening night, the largest table at 6 meters long hosted a meeting with London’s Mayor Boris Johnson and guests.

64 - Aria Medium backed Eames style chairs (for all boardroom tables) which have a ribbed real leather effect - available in black or white. These are based on a design classic by Charles and Ray Eames which has stood the test of time.

After weeks of hard work for all parties involved, the new furniture was a big success for both Simon and his client.

We love it when a plan comes together.

THINKING ABOUT MAKING CHANGES YOURSELF? NEED A HELPING HAND?

LET US BE THAT HELPING HAND!

]]>Thu, 15 May 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/creating-your-stylish-home-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/creating-your-stylish-home-office
So I am in the process of renovating my spare room into a home office as I found that I just wasn’t being very productive working on the sofa whist the wife watches soaps. Even though I say I don’t like any of them I still find myself watching them as oppose to doing the work at hand. I believe the word is procrastinating! By the time I realise that I have achieved nothing workwise, it’s time for bed.

After reading up on building a space for a home office, it seemed like the only justifiable solution was to crack on and reinvent the spare room. A quiet space which allows me to get away from EastEnders and Coronation Street was just the ticket to achieving at work. I am now able to put some music on and focus on the work that needs to be done. My new home office gives me the perfect retreat when I have a lot of work on. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 people work from home on a full or part time basis and for me it has now been made possible with my new home office. So if you have a spare room or any wasted space at home, this article may be able to provide you with some advice to turn it into a working environment.

First things first, it was essential I had a checklist of the practical things I needed to enable me to do my job away from work. I started with the office furniture and decided that I simply could not work without an office desk, office chair and storage. My intention was to only spend a couple of hours of an evening in my home office, however if you are thinking of working from home full time then you will need to ensure you create a suitable and relaxed working environment to enable you to do this. Ensure you have a comfortable chair, a decent sized workspace and no other distractions in the office such as a T.V. Paint the walls in a neutral colour to provide a calming ambiance and add a plant or two to maintain the carbon dioxide and oxygen level which will decrease that drowsy work feeling. Finally, add a few motivational pictures to the walls and you have a perfect home working environment. You can thank me later on the huge car fuel savings.

]]>Mon, 12 May 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/good-morning-britain-furniture-range
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/good-morning-britain-furniture-range
As the first week of ITV’s new morning show ‘Good Morning Britain’ draws to a close, I thought it would be fitting to talk about their brand spanking new studio they have on show to millions of viewers around the UK.

The show that has replaced ‘Daybreak’ has had mixed reviews but has undeniably brought the previously ‘dated’ morning TV show into the modern day that we have become accustomed to. When watching the show it was apparent that this was the image they wanted to portray.

Today I’m going to have a look at the furniture they have and how we can help you get the modern look of ‘Good Morning Britain’ in your boardroom/meeting room. If you are reading this and are thinking to yourself; our boardroom needs a modern edge or I want our boardroom to emulate our professional image, then this brief blog will give you a guide to achieving exactly that.

At the heart of the programme is clearly the boardroom table and, as pictured, the curved wooden base with a glass top is really striking. The table doesn’t only radiate class and sophistication but gives you a sense of durability with the thick glass top.

Unfortunately we don’t have the exact replica of this but keeping in mind with all of the above, I have chosen a table the ‘I meet glass rectangular meeting table’ this exquisite table is available in 4 glass colour options.

I'll let the image do the talking

With the designer boardroom table now in place your colleagues and potential customers will need something to sit on. The office chair which the guys sit on during ‘Good Morning Britain’ is the designer leather ‘Benito Faux Executive Chair’. With its elegant style and bright colour, this is the perfect office chair to finish off the rooms, already remarkable interior.

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?? BE SURE TO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

DON'T FORGET TO SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

]]>Fri, 2 May 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/polymorphs-brand-new-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/polymorphs-brand-new-office
When designing a new office, it is key to exceed the customer’s expectations first time as you will not get a second chance. Polymorph came to us with a very precise vision. They wanted an office that oozed class and quality but also an office that was built to last. So that’s exactly what we gave them, a quality office with the desired cutting edge design that will stand out vividly in the visitor’s memory. As you can see from the pictures, the members of staff loved their new working environment.

In choosing the office desks, Polymorph opted for 17 Saturn Two Person Bench Desks with Acrylic Screens in a Wenge finish. This transformed the office floor dramatically. The products came with a 5 year warranty which satisfied the customer that the products used were good quality and, as requested, built to last. It essentially gave the customer the peace of mind they needed when making such dramatic changes.

It is important to help the customer choose the correct seating for the office as the majority of their employees will spend more of their day on those office chairs than they do their own sofa at home, so it is important to make sure they are comfortable and happy. After much deliberation, Polymorph decided to go with the Bampton Mesh Task Chairs. The chair comes with a black faux leather headrest and a deep foam filled air mesh seat. It also has large ‘T’ arms for extra support.

It was apparent that the boardrooms needed the special Office Reality touch. The boardroom reflects the company’s image, as this is the room that will hold the majority of company meetings where important decisions about the company are usually made. It is therefore essential that the boardroom is tailored to the image the company wishes to portray. Polymorph chose the Ellipse Boardroom Table in a Wenge finish. The wenge finish reflected the desks within the main office and, as such, maintained the theme of the company through each different department which gave a feeling of continuity. The Ellipse boardroom table can fit up to 10 people and is available in a number of finishes.

]]>Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/boss-its-sunny-can-i-work-outside
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/boss-its-sunny-can-i-work-outside
With the summer fast approaching, I thought I’d write a little piece on maybe, just maybe, taking the office outside on the hot summer days. Professional? NO. Practical? NO. Good for morale, sun tan and general happiness? YES YES YES. So throughout this blog I’m going to look at the positives… OBVIOUSLY!

Many people that work in offices in this day and age have laptops or an IPad. If all the software is installed and you can access all your work wirelessly then problem solved. With Wi-Fi now located everywhere on the planet, it could even be possible to take your work to the beach. I’m sure the ice cream van will have Wi-Fi, just be sure to ask nicely.

Take yourself away from the normal office furniture you are now so accustomed to. The office desk will be replaced with your lap. The same four walls within the office replaced with the sun, sea and sand backdrop. OK, maybe I may be pushing it with the beach idea but we can all but hope can’t we?

Outside the office is enough for me, even if it’s in the company car park. So the next obstacle to overcome is the phones. Most phone systems nowadays have a setting where you can transfer your phone calls through to your mobile. 2 Obstacles down 98 to go.

Imagine

This is a rallying call to all of you stuck in an office during the summer, ask your boss if you can wheel your office chair outside, fire up the laptop, transfer calls to your mobile and slap on some factor 8 sun cream (30 if you burn easily) because you want to enjoy the sunshine too.

My boss will be reading this thinking you haven’t got a hope of this ever coming to fruition. To be honest I can’t really blame him but it’s worth a try and I can always dream.

For those of you brave enough or stupid enough please let me know the reaction you receive. I may have written this blog but will I be chancing my arm at the above? Definitely Not!

]]>Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-20th-22nd-may-2014
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/clerkenwell-design-week-20th-22nd-may-2014
As the Clerkenwell design week draws ever closer, I thought it would be worth taking a look into what it’s all about. For those that have never been or for those who have never heard of the CDW, this short blog may help you decide whether to venture to London or not.

Established only four years ago, the Clerkenwell design week is rapidly growing into one of the biggest and best design exhibits in the country, attracting designers and architects from all over the world. Clerkenwell Design Week is constantly expanding and this year will boast over 60 showrooms, ranging from Brintons who will be launching their new contemporary High definition weave collection, to Clerkenwell who have their own showroom which aims to create an environment of inspiration and discovery.

The organisers should be very proud of their achievements after winning numerous awards including ‘Best Live Event’ at the AEO Awards, ‘Best Festival’ and ‘Best Cultural Event’ at the UK Event Awards.

In May 2012 our marketing and design team headed to the big smoke to see what the design week had to offer. Here’s what Ben had to say about the experience:

“From a commercial furniture suppliers perspective, Clerkenwell Design 2012 was an excellent insight to current and future trends within the industry. With architect practices, office furniture showrooms and dedicated showcases all offering open doors and discussions it’s the place to be for any aspiring designer within their chosen industry. We discovered new products, suppliers and software which have all now been uploaded and feature on our websites. The products have generated leads and interest from our customers perspective which in turn has led to repeat business, all made possible by CDW 2012. We hope to return for 2014, see you there!”

So, if you’re looking for a bit inspiration to help create that new office you’ve been craving, or just fancy having a look around to see if anything catches your eye. Be sure to make your way down to the Clerkenwell Design Week 20th –22nd May 2014. You may even be lucky enough to bump into some of the office reality team!!

]]>Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/imagine-an-office-with-no-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/imagine-an-office-with-no-chairs
Is the art of sitting down in the office now on its knees? Recent medical studies have shown that sitting down at work for a prolonged amount of time is damaging to our health by increasing the chances of cardiovascular problems or becoming more vulnerable to diabetes. Anyone that sits at work (myself included) shouldn’t hit the panic button quite yet as extensive research is still being carried out, but it is definitely something employees and employers may have to start thinking about.

This would mean a complete revamp of offices and workplaces around the country, costing companies thousands. This new evidence will have employers delving into the trees that, obviously, grow unlimited amounts of cash. With health risks now being linked with sitting down at work, changes must be afoot. Money will be an issue though surely, considering the average cost of an adjustable desk is £250.

Our most expensive adjustable desk is the Mobus Electronic Adjustable Twin Desk which comes in at a mere £2,299.95.

Here’s what one company who made the changes had to say:

"We converted the office about eight or nine months ago. We removed the standard desks and put in 12 high tables. We're in a serviced office and asked them to remove the old desks. The new desks are at chest level and cost us £350 each.

"We do 150-200 calls a day per person. We've built an environment using music in the background to get people up and running (psyched up). We decided that if we are standing, we'd be able to project our voices better. And so we decided it would be better to have these high tables. We started without any chairs but have now added high chairs as people may not want to stand all day. The high chairs cost £70 each. We probably stand 40% of the time, sit 30% and walk around the office 30% of the time. No-one has said they want to go back to the old desks since we converted the office."

Heels at work are a thing of the past

Its crazy really when you think about it but I don’t think companies will have to worry too much as I can’t see the government making any new laws to enforce standing at work in the near or distant future, do you? If they did, then it wouldn’t just affect office working environments but it would also have an impact on schools around the country. Imagine the pandemonium if that was to happen.

My outlook on the subject is that as soon as companies make wholesale changes to the workplace to benefit employees’ health, another set of research will be carried out to evidence that standing all day in the office is bad for your health. A subject like this will make people panic and make employers think about the office layout but in the grand scheme of things I can’t see this having a big impact on the future of the office environment. I sit all day at work and I’m yet to have any problems (touch wood). To be honest, I prefer to sit at work and I’m sure many of you feel the same. Maybe for a day or two I would enjoy it but I’m sure the novelty will wear off after a few days. If I was on my feet all-day I would do a lot less work and I’d probably find myself breaking out into dance or exercise. Thinking about it… I have just excited myself, so you guys enjoy the rest of your day and I’m heading to the boss’ office to ask for an adjustable desk!

]]>Thu, 24 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-politics-top-9-most-annoying-habits-of-office-workers
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-politics-top-9-most-annoying-habits-of-office-workersA survey by the Institute of Leadership and Management has uncovered the things that office workers hate the most in their colleagues. Here are the top nine most annoying things that colleagues do according to office workers Nationwide:

1. Arrive late for meetings;

2. Leave dirty bowls and plates on their office desk;

3. Gossip about other workers;

4. Discuss confidential work matters openly;

5. Send an email to people who are sat directly opposite;

6. Leave their mobile phone on loud;

7. Take regular cigarette breaks;

8. Come into work sick;

9. Bring their children into the office.

So there we have it, the top 9 most annoying things about your work colleagues. Personally, I think a few have been left out. Here’s a few more I’d add to my list:

10. Continuous tapping on the office desk;

11. Regular weather updates given by a member of staff ‘worried’ about whether they will make it home;

13. A (lazy) colleague who moves around the office on their chair as oppose to actually getting up and walking;

14. Poor IT skills and the moaners whose computers have ‘broke’ when in fact it is the user who has the problem;

15. Attention seekers who have a conversation with someone for the whole office to hear.

A brief look into what annoys us at work. Next week I’ll have a look into what annoys us at home.

That of course is a joke (my wife reads this and divorce proceedings are expensive!)

]]>Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/edison-reception-desk-city-of-london-llp
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/edison-reception-desk-city-of-london-llp
When approached by the City of London LLP for a brand new reception desk, we asked several questions to find out exactly what they were looking for. The obvious questions were 'how big do you want the desk to be?' and 'how much storage space do you want?' but it is just as important to gain information regarding the style of their reception interior and the image their company wishes to portray to their visitors and customers. We discovered that the reception area was red and white which reflects the overall brand colours. The company image is one of class and sophistication and they wanted this to stand out to visitors from the moment they arrived.

The Edison reception desk popped into my mind immediately. The white finish worked perfectly with the colour of the reception area. Many combinations and shapes can be achieved with the Edison reception desk which means it is open to multiple interpretations, not only as an office reception desk, but also for meeting tables or to create welcome areas.

'Edison Reception Desk' (City Of London Llp) Draft

After numerous conversations, it was decided that the vibrant Edison reception desk would be the appropriate choice. With its chrome stripes and glass counter top, it didn’t only look the part is was also very practical.

Our very own highly skilled professional installation team undertook the job to install the new desk. Once the reception desk was in place and ready to use, I asked the customer for feedback on their purchase and the response was as follows:

"We are very happy with our new reception desk, it was definitely the right choice and we will be using you guys for any future office furniture purchases we make".

]]>Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-easter-egg-hunt
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-easter-egg-huntWith Easter fast approaching and everyone rushing out to get Easter eggs for their kids and loved ones, what I want to know is where is the adult’s fun?

So I present to you... The Office Easter Egg Hunt...

Think... hiding eggs under the office desks and chairs that you’re forever sitting on, or any other office furniture you can use as a possible hiding place. Maybe you could even play an Easter themed version of 'pub golf' by dropping mini eggs into colleagues' coffee. All just to make the working day a bit more enjoyable.

It could be used as a team bonding event (or that’s how you could pitch it to the boss) to bring the team together. Introduce some competitive spirit by splitting the staff into teams and then watch how the child emerges from each and every one of them in order to battle it out for the tray of chocolates which lie at the end of the rainbow.

Chance for fancy dress maybe????

Have I sown the seed yet? Are you thinking to yourself where do I begin? IF SO, then follow my simple steps and make a start on the preparations for the greatest ever office Easter egg hunt. Now as a digital marketer, my expertise in putting together an Easter Egg hunt game is very limited but I think a good place to start is chocolate eggs.

7 Steps to the perfect office Easter Egg Hunt:

1. Decide on the time and date;

2. Design an Easter egg hunt according to the age group;

3. Choose the hunt location;

4. Set up the boundary;

5. Make a list of all the hiding places;

6. Buy some prizes;

7. Send out a memo to all employees advertising the event.

The event never seems to lose its appeal to the kids. Now it’s our turn!!!

Stick to the 7 simple steps and I’m sure your Easter Egg hunt will be EGGtraordinary.

Good Luck

]]>Thu, 10 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-call-centres-nev-is-a-genius
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-call-centres-nev-is-a-genius
I’m sure many of us have watched the call centre over the past year, I know I have. Every time I watch it I think to myself “is it always like that?” surely it can’t be. Nothing would ever get done. If I’m honest, I love the show and I think the manager Nev is a class act.

But is it all an act to bring custom to a firm that has a very difficult job in making a sale because people are just not interested? It’s obviously working for them. By having a well-known T.V channel film at your workplace every year is bound to draw interest from the outside world. Stroke of genius many will think, including me. Imagine if everything we see on T.V was a day to day occurrence. What it would be like to kick a football around during working hours or to play cupid among fellow colleagues in trying to find them a suitable partner to share their interests with. My boss would call me into his office before my feet could touch the ground if I was to do any of the above. However, the management style seems to work for the Welsh entrepreneur.

Nev’s style is new, it’s fresh and people love it. He is making a very boring and mundane job bearable for his staff. This is a job where humour is the key to success. Nev is keeping his employees’ morale high and in return it keeps them driven to make that next sale.

If I had a hat on I’d tip it to Nev but I don’t unfortunately.

Every Tuesday, I will certainly be tuning in to see what mad tactics he uses next to gain the best out of his Welsh call centre team. One thing is for sure though, nothing will surprise me.

]]>Wed, 9 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tips-on-being-healthy-at-work
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tips-on-being-healthy-at-work
It is vital to ensure a healthy environment at work; the office is an ideal place to promote healthy eating. People on the go find it difficult to eat three meals a day although, it is important that we only skip breakfast if it cannot be avoided. Here are some tips for a healthier day at the office.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking more water has multiple benefits here are a few:

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day has multiple benefits. Water is the best anti-ageing lotion; dry skin can be the result of not drinking enough water. Water can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Water helps to burn up stored fat. If you don’t drink enough water your liver is made to help your kidneys to detoxify your body. If you’re getting the water your body needs your liver will be able to metabolise the stored fat much more efficiently.

Water carries oxygen to cells in the body. The brain needs oxygen so increasing the amount of water you consume could make you smarter in work.

Drinking more water has multiple benefits here are a few:

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day has multiple benefits. Water is the best anti-ageing lotion; dry skin can be the result of not drinking enough water. Water can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Water helps to burn up stored fat. If you don’t drink enough water your liver is made to help your kidneys to detoxify your body. If you’re getting the water your body needs your liver will be able to metabolise the stored fat much more efficiently.

Water carries oxygen to cells in the body. The brain needs oxygen so increasing the amount of water you consume could make you smarter in work.

Not everyone is aware of this but consuming more water can benefit your joints keeping them strong and lubricated, joints need to stay strong and flexible to keep movement easy and pain free.

Drink Less Coffee

The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant and can provide a short term energy and concentration boost. Too much coffee is unhealthy and can have the reverse effect, leaving some people feeling uncomfortable and even with an increasing heart race. The more you drink the less effective it becomes coffee consumption should be drunk not out of habit but when an energy boost is needed.

Coffee can be replaced with tea both black and green and both have health benefits. A cup of green or black tea can contact 10 times the anti-oxidants in fruit or vegetables.

Office Snacking

Whilst snacking in between meals is healthy, anyone who works in an office knows that office junk snacking can be hard to avoid. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead store some healthy snacks in your drawer. Unhealthy snacks can be replaced with low fat yoghurt, unsalted nuts, and hummus and vegetables for example. Take a look also at some of the top superfoods for a healthier lifestyle and long term benefits.

Edemame

Benefits of edemame: High in protein, high in fibre, vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, and calcium. Edemame the popular snack in china and Japan has reached supermarkets in the UK. They are low in fat and provide almost every other essential vitamin and mineral

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is good for us but stick to the dark stuff it contains antioxidants and polyphenols.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain antioxidants and flavonoids which can dramatically lower the risk of diabetes.

Goji Berries

Noni

If you can get hold of this fruit it may be worth the while as benefits include, regulating blood pressure, reduce menstrual cramps, reduce collestoral, reduce the chance of depression, help pain relief and even gives a boost of energy.

Brazil Nuts

Nuts are a great source of vitamins, fibre and minerals. Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium which helps reduce the chance of depression, and protect against cancer and Alzheimer disease.

Many offices are jumping on the bandwagon and installing slides into their offices around the world. Is this crazy or a stroke of genius? The trend is growing, and rather than bringing fun into the office the general idea is to add a feel good factor and even potential ice breaker with clients. The office gym just doesn’t quite cut it anymore; larger corporate companies are looking for new ways to spice up the place.

It is a well-known fact that the office environments affect the employee productivity. More recently neuroscientists have found a link between mental performance and factors that include the amount of natural light available, ceiling height and the view outside. Therefore large companies such as Google are making sure their offices are filled with inspiring designs and elements of fun in the hope to encourage creativity and co-operation.

If you are not lucky enough to have a slide in your office this is what you are missing out on:

Corus Entertainment

Corus Entertainment is one of the largest Media Entertainment companies in Canada. The new headquarters feature a three-story slide for employees to enjoy. The headquarters can be found in the Corus Quay Building in Toronto and also features a five story ‘living wall’ of vegetation which gives the building a greener and more organic feel.

iSelect

The Melbourne office of iSelect, a private healthcare insurance company boasts a giant slide dropping employees into a giant ball pool in matter of seconds. The iSelect team are proud of their office which also includes sleeping pods, a running track, soccer field and hammocks that look out to the ocean. The idea is to encourage creativity and offer a balanced working lifestyle.

Red Bull

The Red Bull office in Soho, London is narrow and steep, running alongside a floating staircase. The idea behind office design is to add adrenaline and excitement, emotions that are associated with the the Red Bull brand and activities.

Electric Works

The Electric Works office in Sheffield hosts a slide known as the ‘helter-skelter’ This is currently the largest indoor slide in the UK at 87-feet long. According to the designer Toby Hyam the slide conveys the idea of risk taking. Undoubtedly the slide will make for an unforgettable visit.

Finally a quick look at the first go at the office slide in Googles San Francisco office in 2008

]]>Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-interior-technique-makes-an-office-work
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-interior-technique-makes-an-office-work
Since starting my new job here at Office Reality, I have come across several people who always seem to have the same view on Office Interiors. They all seem to have the same idea: “Furniture that is used in office interiors is “boring, plain and simple”. But it is not, of course, always like that.

Being a big fan of interiors of both commercial as well as residential properties, I have started to wonder what techniques can be used and whether the interior and use of certain furniture styles may reflect the way in which employees may work… Which has led to the title: What Makes an Office Work?

Having such a large and exciting range of furniture here at ­Office Reality the options seem to be endless and this has furthered my interest in the design of Commercial Offices and the use of styles. Other than the furniture looking great and modern as well as interesting and often different, it is intriguing to see that the designs also have more of a purpose if put in the right office environment, thus increasing the productivity of the members of staff.

As UKBESPOKEFURNITURE (one of my main references for this article) has explained “the office is one’s second home… where one spends the maximum time of the day”. It is therefore important that the members of staff feel ‘comfortable and invited’. The main point that is often mentioned to achieve this is the use of colours around the office space. The colours of the office and the furniture reflect the company and the personality of the individual. Colours that reflect the company that the office needs to function for (eg. Blue for Office Reality) can also be seen as a tool of promotion and even motivation for the individual, in a strange way making them feel like they are literally “part of the company”.

Making use of ‘modern looking furniture’ may represent the company being ‘up-to-date, clean and professional’. This always comes in great use in reception areas. Having a modern, clean looking reception desk (for example the use of glass and lighting) will show that the company behind the “front-line desk” is just as organised and professional. Of course, having the same effect in the workspace for the employees means that they will be comfortable at their working areas, knowing that it is a clean and professional workspace. This technique of interior planning will mean that they will want to be there at their desk, which will therefore reflect on their work as they will want to be doing it.

However, having too much clutter is not the best idea either. A ‘balance’ may have to be ascertained to avoid having too much ‘comfort’, ie; colours, furniture etc. Of course too little and you run the risk of the office becoming too ‘clinical’.

Clutter can take up too much of the workspace, which will create the illusion of ‘restriction’ thus preventing the flow of work for the individual due to a lack of space. This in time makes it more difficult to move. Mobility and space is therefore important, in smaller offices maybe the use of a glass desk could be an idea as glass furniture creates the illusion of “air”. Deskscreens that are made from a “acrylic material” could also have the same purpose. This illusion also shows a fine example of modern looking furniture having more purpose than just looking great and impressive.

On the other end, being minimalistic could also lead to, as Herman Miller has explained, the office being too ‘clinical’. This could lead to individuals feeling like they are ‘machines’ rather than individuals. This discomfort may lead to the productivity and the ‘desire’ of the individual there, to decrease.

There are a lot of ways in which an office can be set up, with a lot of it being personal choice. But for an office to ‘work’, I think the main technique needed is to mould a space into an area that is and looks ‘clean, modern and motivational’ for employees, making use of modern, different and non- restrictive furniture.

]]>Mon, 4 Nov 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-minehead-raft-race-an-adventure-to-remember-part-2
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-minehead-raft-race-an-adventure-to-remember-part-2
So there we were out at sea, the waves were extremely choppy and our raft was causing us to move up and down interrupting our row. We had taken a less direct route as we were advised to and to not to keep to the curvature of the coast. This would have normally have been fine if it was a calm day but the waves were big and with every wave that hit us we would be being forced backwards a little. Despite this, we were making distance but by no means fast.

There were many disadvantages with the design of our raft; however there was one advantage that was quite clear. The durability and strength of our raft really helped is when battling the waves. We could see others struggling in the distance but we kept going, even when the last boat behind us eventually gave in and was towed ahead of us.

So we were last… Our spirits were dampened, but we had not set out to win, but just finish. We estimated that we had been on the water for about an hour. All rafts had been towed to the distance in front of us and we had had the RNLI twice come up to us asking if we wanted to be towed ahead, but both times we gratefully declined. There was no sign of Channel4’s team, only a few dots in the distance and the sea was getting worse.

Up and down, up and down. The waves slapped the front and side with water even splashing and hit those at the back in the face. All of a sudden we found ourselves being hit by a large wave to the right hand side that was so big it caused a large amount of water to collect in the foot wells. Our raft was tipping to the right and we frantically did everything we could to get the water out (the half milk bottles that we cut to shape made fine scoops!).

It was at this moment, the RNLI who had kept their eye on us had to intervene. Their boat was parked right in front because we refused to get towed! Even at this point we refused to give up. We had no choice unfortunately and were forced to clamber upon the lifeboat and have our raft towed behind us. Well that’s what we thought.

As soon as everyone was on board and the boat was attached we began heading for the finish, but something was wrong, we were not moving fast at all. We looked back only to find that our raft was sinking! The power from the boat had forced the nose down and the foot wells all began to fill up with water and it wasn’t long before the life guards gave up on towing the raft as it was acting like an anchor being pulled through the water!

After dropping the rope we headed for sure, with the boat bouncing up and down with those at the front being thrown around we heard one of the lifeguards say “You had been out there for an hour and a half and if the sea hadn’t been this choppy, you probably would have made it”.

Some words of encouragement was well received “Even some of the better rafts didn’t make it!” and sure enough as we pulled into Minehead we saw one of the, what was thought of as the better rafts, broken in the water.

“The crew of the Apollo 13 have made it safely back” the tannoy announced. We couldn’t help but laugh as this was read out and I am pretty sure that some of the crowd found this funny too, as Apollo 13 lived up to its name!

Over an hour had passed and while we shared our sea stories we looked into the distance and could see a lifeboat struggling pulling something behind it. Sure enough it was our raft upside down!

As the lifeboat brought our raft in to our amazement it was intact! Not one of the poly chairs had broken even whilst being dragged under the water and dragged along the sand. So all in all the raft race was a great experience with a lot of lessons learnt which we will be taking on board for next year!

]]>Thu, 12 Sep 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-minehead-raft-race-an-adventure-to-remember-part-1
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-minehead-raft-race-an-adventure-to-remember-part-1
The wind was strong, the waves were like white horses crashing against the shore (well Shetland ponies’ maybe) yet spirits were high as we parked up at Blue Anchor Bay ready for the Minehead Raft Race.

As we pulled our extremely heavy, rocket shaped raft out of the company van, it was clear to see we had some real competition. Stretching across the bay we saw approximately 20-25 man built rafts line up along the shoreline. It wasn’t long before we realised that we were not going to be racing with the novelty and amateur rafts as we had originally thought, but with the professionals!

At the start line everyone around us was extremely friendly as they could see that this was our first raft race and that our design may not have been the most efficient. Nevertheless we love a challenge and we lifted our heavy rocket shaped craft, inappropriately titled “Apollo 13” to the start with all of the others.

It was clear to see that there was a competitive attitude in the air with some of the more veteran teams calling to each other and edging closer and closer towards the sea to try and gain precious inches, which they thought may give them an advantage.

TV celebrity Kevin Mccloud was also competing and was situated only a couple of rafts away from us. If we were going to beat anyone we wanted to beat the presenter of Grand Designs!

Finally, and without warning, a flare shot off into the air and we were off!

We quickly ran into the sea with the first row jumping in, the second and then the last and we began our 5 mile journey across to Minehead. It soon became obvious that we had no hope of coming first, in fact we were pushing hard to make sure we weren’t last. After the first 200m the rafts began to spread out with the experts flying off into the lead and leaving us newbies in a small group of our own. With the sheer weight and design of our raft we knew that it was going to be a slow slog and within 500m we had found our rhythm.

“Row… row… row!” we each took it in turns to chant. We could hear in the distance similar noises in the same rhythmical fashion, but we were alone between groups, well that’s what we thought.

With a quick glance round we could see that only one raft following us closely behind, yep you guessed it, it was team Mccloud!

We pushed and pushed and we began to create an ever increasing gap between the Channel 4 presenter’s crew and ourselves. We all felt that much better about our position and it gave us hope and strength to push on through and battle the extremely choppy sea.

It seemed that our positivity was short lived however when team Mccloud passed us being towed by an RNLI boat with the camera crew’s boat closely following them. We all thought they were cheaters and as they passed, a few of their crew members waved to us in a friendly fashion. Our response was not a friendly wave back but an even louder chant and a harder push from all six of us. If we could overtake and increase the lead from them once, we could do it again, no matter where the life boat dropped them. You also have to bear in mind that they had 8 people to our 6!

We could see in the distance that team Mccloud had been dropped about 250m in front, but it looked like they were struggling. With pain and fatigue beginning to set in we pushed forward to make sure that we were able to pass them and it wasn’t long before we closed the gap.

We did not stop once paddling and despite our raft being heavier and having a smaller crew we passed them! We cheered and laughed at the crew of the Channel 4’s raft as we then saw that it had begun to sink! (I am sure that the Channel 4 team filmed us doing this, but whether it will be aired on TV will be a different story!). Could you believe it! The team headed by the presenter of GRAND DESIGNS had built a raft that couldn’t even make it halfway!

15 minutes went passed (approximately, none of us had the time!) and we had created about a 200m gap between our raft and the S.S. Mccloud. As we looked back we could see the RNLI crew once again saving them, but this time it was from being stranded at sea. We saw one raft that was even further behind them and one with a crew of 20 to the South West of us in the distance. It was then that we quickly began to realise that we were on our own……

Want to know what happened to the S.S. Mccloud? The Daily Mail sums it up...

]]>Mon, 2 Sep 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/some-of-the-key-figures-throughout-history-who-benefitted-from-napping-at-work
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/some-of-the-key-figures-throughout-history-who-benefitted-from-napping-at-work
To some people this may come as a shock, but in a previous blog, I wrote about how some companies are allowing, no, in fact insisting that their employees take short naps during their working day, in order to increase their productivity in the afternoon. Studies have shown that after a short rest or “power nap” as some may call it, employees are more alert and ready to work and function better whilst performing daily tasks.

With this in mind I decided to see what others thought of this as the idea of being able to nap at work interested me. I then found a blog on “The Art of Manliness” that shows a number of key figures throughout history that felt that the importance of napping, even at work (not necessarily at their office desk) paramount to their overall performance at work. Below are a few of these essential and eminent men.

John F. Kennedy

Arguably one of the most influential US presidents, Kennedy would almost always, without fail, take a daily nap that lasted between 1-2 hours. Kennedy would wake in the morning and begin his exercise routine that consisted of swimming and running until lunchtime, where he would then retire to his bedroom and sleep for up to 2 hours. His wife Jackie would always join him and during that time there would be absolutely no phone calls, and certainly no interruptions. This then led him to work almost solidly from around 3pm to 8pm where he would argue most of his great work would take place.

Winston Churchill

When we think about this great man in history, our first thought is of how he led the British to victory in the Second World War. Little is mentioned of his relaxed approach to leadership and even less is mentioned of just how much time he spent working at his desk and office chair.

I say this because a lot of work that Churchill did was from the comfort of his own bed. He would begin at 8am answering letters and delegating his peers until around lunchtime where he would then enjoy a long lunch with his with until retiring back to bed for a long nap that lasted for 2 hours. He would then awaken at around 6pm where he would work until the small hours of the morning.

“Nature has not intended mankind to work from eight in the morning until midnight without that refreshment of blessed oblivion which, even if it only lasts twenty minutes, is sufficient to renew all the vital forces.”

Thomas Edison

It is hard to believe that one of the greatest inventors of all time was a “napper” but it is true, even though he would keep it secret. Thomas Edison, who held the world record for the most inventions ever created, would work for long periods of time without sleep but would partake in daily naps, up to 3 hours a day. A comment from one of his assistants to a friend and work colleague Henry Ford suggests that this Edison needed these naps in order to maintain his strong work ethic: “He doesn’t sleep very much at all, he just naps a lot.”

]]>Wed, 14 Aug 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/open-office-design-is-greatbut-have-we-gone-a-bit-too-far
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/open-office-design-is-greatbut-have-we-gone-a-bit-too-far
I have talked about in many a blog, the pros and cons of an open plan office and trends in design that show the increase in popularity. One thing that is worth noting however, is that with this increase in the open and more collaborative work place design, the focus on areas to help employees to concentrate has been neglected. Neglected to a point that some would say is having a negative effect on productivity.

We don’t need to go over the points for open plan office design, nor do we need to explain why it has become so popular. It is obvious that working in a team and swapping ideas, can lead to some great discoveries, but what about when you just need to concentrate on your own work? Has this now been compromised?

Studies suggest in recent years the answer to that question is yes. According to Gensler, a company that focuses on design and architecture conducted a survey regarding this issue and commented:

”Results show that a lack of effective focus space drags down the effectiveness of all other work modes: collaboration, learning and socializing, as well as the effectiveness of the workplace as a whole.”

What this basically means is that those who have the capacity to concentrate and focus are more able to work well with other people and learn. The lack of areas where individuals can sit down and concentrate brings this down somewhat and people

If you are like me and sometimes find it hard to concentrate, then having a space that you can focus can really help and will also increase your ability to concentrate in areas where distractions are unavoidable.

What we can take away from this is that even though designing your office so that it can accommodate open plan office furniture maybe a great way to increase productivity, remember to make sure that you have thought about where your employees can work in peace.

]]>Tue, 6 Aug 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/portable-office-furniture-in-a-briefcase
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/portable-office-furniture-in-a-briefcase
The times have changed since the first office days. We may have changed the technology that we use and even adapted our working lives in order to make full use of it. The invention of laptops and the use of Wi-Fi in various establishments including cafes and bars, mean that you can work at these various locations as well.

Smart phones then became another tool to add to the belt of the telecommuter, with emails being sent on buses, trains, even in the street as remote internet became the norm. There will always be people that need a desk or some kind of table in order to work properly, even though they have a smart phone. There is however a solution for these people and that is “Boxed”.

Boxed is a prototype invention that enables workers on the go to carry a desk, stool and lamp, in a briefcase and can erect easily almost anywhere.

Constructed almost entirely of wood, the leg poles are of all the same size, width and length and can be used on the stool, the lamp stem or the table, to eliminate confusion and just screw into place.

Another reason for the invention is the lack of space not only in the work place but in our homes as well. Boxed can be packed away in the corner when not in use and put together in a matter of minutes to create an adequate temporary work area in the home.

This range has not been put into mass production, and we are unsure as to whether these ever will be, but the design itself shows the way in which we are headed and that is for, not just foldaway tables and chairs but portable office furniture, to use whenever we wish.

]]>Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ocpss-indicia
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ocpss-indicia
Once again Simon Oliver from OCPSS had been nominated to help assist with Indicia second move to their new London Offices. In keeping with the retro and urban theme that was successfully employed throughout their Bristol offices (see previous OCPSS case study) it was bound to throw up some interesting results. The desks were from our Avalon Pure range as these are currently available in black with white legs and pedestals to match which mirrored the urban city theme running throughout. We supplied them with matching black side fillers which were specials as they had a contrast white top to match the desk tops, these were placed at each end of the desk banks. The ECT mesh back chair was also specified which are ideal for keeping cool in the summer months due to the mesh allowing air flow to circulate freely around the users back. These chairs also have a mesh headrest adding to the overall comfort and functionality that they are so well known for.

The first smaller meeting room allowed for an i bench meeting table in silver although this was irrelevant as it was to be covered in a vinyl with wood block letters and numbers giving the surface an interesting look. We supplied a detailed cad drawing which showed the exact dimensions of the table top to allow for this application to be successful. This vinyl application process can be done on almost all melamine surfaces including reception desks and screens.

The second meeting room table was a special due to its unusually large size of 4000mm x 12000mm this however was not a problem as our experienced suppliers can make almost anything to request. The table top was supported by the ibench loop black leg frame and our experienced installer added two Horizon through desk power modules allowing for smoother connectivity within the boardroom.

The results were certainly interesting as a result of a few creative ideas broke away from some of more traditional types of furniture solutions. Please do not hesitate to call us if you are thinking of moving offices or considering new furniture we will go to great lengths to ensure you get the right results for you and your working environment!

]]>Thu, 30 May 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-we-wrong-to-eat-at-our-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-we-wrong-to-eat-at-our-desks
In previous blogs I have talked about the eating at your desks and have outlined the advantages and disadvantages to this. It seems that the debate still continues as to whether the act of eating at your desk during your lunch hour is disgusting or not.

Having a look over the past couple of decades we can see that not only have we seen an increase in the amount of numbers of office workers, we have also seen an increase in the amount of time that these workers actually spend working. Pressure has continued to grow over the years causing office workers to spend longer planted on their office chair at their desk. So much so that a large proportion of these, choose to eat their lunch at their desk so they can get on with work. In fact studies show that this is not a small proportion, but in fact 54%.

So what’s the problem you may ask? Well some researchers have suggested that by eating at your desk, you could be inflating your risk of illnesses such as obesity, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and even stress. OK you may be thinking how can this be related to stress? And to be honest so am I, but it seems the negative list continues.

Tests into how hygienic office workers desks actually are have been undertaken with staggering results. The study measured the ATP levels in and around the office with under 100 being relatively clean with over 300 being “a high risk for illness. 27% of computer keyboards that were tested in the office had a level of 300 or higher, a far greater number than originally thought.

So where does this leave us now? Looking at the results we can see that there may be cause for concern, but it appears that studies are always being undertaken that give us bad news, for example apparently “canned soup can increase our risk of developing cancer by up to 25%” and if we listened to every single warning that was put in front of our faces we as a planet would not be able to function. I will leave it up to you to make your own judgements as to whether this could be a serious factor in our overall health and well being.

The Birks cinema was originally housed within an art deco style building in the rural town of Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland. In 1980 after 43 years in existence showed its last film and closed its doors to become an amusement arcade. The arcade eventually closed in 2004 and the once attractive landmark building lay derelict until 2009 when the Friends of the Birks Cinema purchased it with the intention of renovating and bringing it back to life as a community cinema. This small group and the community of dedicated individuals have finally achieved this with seven years of hard work and fundraising.

We were interested in the project and were happy to discuss with them the furniture requirements for the café area (56 covers) and the lounge area (12 covers). It was clear that they had already started some groundwork for this part of the project as they had a few ideas as to what would be suitable within each area. The furniture however had to reflect the art deco period yet still allow each user today to sit comfortably to relax and socialise within the newly refurbished surroundings of the cinema.

The Bingo chair was decided on as it has a generous beech shell, is available with and without arms and comes in fabric and faux leather options across a spectrum of colours which eventually were chosen to compliment the interior scheme. The Kirkos chair was also chosen for the bar and lounge area these are elegant and have a unique shape taking the name from the Greek word, to encircle. The Somerset red leather sofas and red leather cubes also featured in one of the other lounge areas these sofas are made from real leather and have been suited to a number of commercial applications.

The table tops were specials as they needed to have a ply edge and were covered in a Durion Laminate these had rounded edges which again complimented the cinema building and the art deco period of the time. We sent many samples to the cinema as we were fully aware that a lot of time and effort had been invested in to getting this community project up and running. We enjoyed working and collaborating with the Friends of Birks Cinema and they are happy with the service and the furniture we supplied. Here are the photos they kindly sent to us.

Having talked extensively about the ways in which technology has affected the way, and how we work in the office, as well as going into great detail about ergonomics in the workplace; now comes the time where we can think about how the integration of technology has affected the way in which we hold our posture whilst working.

What I mean by this is that with the invention of tablets, laptops and smartphones, the way our bodies move and compose themselves while we use them, changes to suit each device and interestingly what we are using them for.

For decades the standard for office working, has been to place a human on a chair and sit a computer on a desk in front of them. Even though our bodies and the chair are quite flexible in how they move, the desk and computer have remained stationary. This is predominantly due to a bulky CPU that has a fixed monitor, meaning that you are limited in ways in which you can sit comfortably whilst at work.

Now think about the computers and other technological tools that are at our disposal. These have been designed for mobile working and have subsequently and to some extent unintentionally, changed the way in which we sit at our desk and on our chair.

The Atlantic has put together a list of 9 of these body positions that we adopt and are now commonplace within the office whilst we work.

1. “The Draw” – Common to the tablet, this position always takes place in a chair and is mainly for “tablet reading”. In order to remain comfortable, an office chair with a solid free floating back is required

2. “The Multi-Device” – The art of using more than one device at the same time. This is more common place than you think and in some cases without you even realising.

3. “The Text” – Using your smartphone, or regular mobile phone for reading, emailing or texting. Armrests are often used when holding this position.

4. “The Cocoon” – Usually whilst reading, this body position is not just reserved for the office and brings the device close to the user’s body. Office furniture manufacturers Steelcase have noted that this type of posture is used more by females than males.

5. “The Swipe” – For tablet users, this position requires the user lean over the desk and have their heads almost directly over the screen with the tablet often laid flat.

6. “The Smart Lean” – This one is mainly for smartphone users, but may also work for tablets and is a variant of the first position, “The Draw”.

7. “The Trance” – This is a position that has been used in the office, but now with more and more information being read on computers and not on paper, it is becoming ever increasingly commonplace.

8. “The Take It In” – This involves nearly a full chair recline. This position is usually reserved for computer and laptop users and has become popular mainly due to high resolution monitors.

9. “The Strunch” – The name is reference to stretching out, yet hunching at the same time. When people begin to get tired, they adopt this position by pushing their laptops or monitors away from them and slouching in order to gain a better view of the screen whilst resting their arms on the desk.

Steelcase is an office furniture manufacturer that has seen these patterns of behaviour and after undertaking a study that included 2000 office workers in 11 different countries, they concluded that current office furniture and office chairs are just not made to cope with these new seated working positions. This could in turn disrupt our concentration and in turn negatively impact our overall productivity whilst working.

This is no reason to worry or panic though; it just makes sense to be aware of how we sit at work to help avoid unnecessary stresses on the body.

Research and image from The Atlantic (http://www.theatlantic.com)

]]>Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/wellington-school-sixth-form-centre
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/wellington-school-sixth-form-centre
Wellington School approached Office Reality with a brief which addressed the improvement of specific social and breakout areas throughout the school. After the initial phone call and discussion we arranged a site visit to measure the space and to clarify what exactly was needed. It was clear that some areas needed more definition to make them more 'social' as the existing furniture was a general mix which gave a slightly ad hoc feel to each social space.

Starting with the sixth form centre we were looking at two rooms within an older style building which required two and three seater sofas. There were some concerns about pupils sitting on the arms of the sofas which could lead to weakness within the internal frame structure of the sofa. This however was resolved as the the manufacture confirmed that they could strengthen the arm with double joints to prevent this from happening.

The Ison sofa was then put forward as a suitable solution as it could be made with Crib 5 fabric (a requirement within the educational sector) and was on a quick lead time as the manufacture was local to ourselves and the school. We then specified some vinyl qubes as these are flexible and can be moved and pulled up easily. The fabric chosen for the sofas was Camira Urban and Stripes. The pupils and staff were happy with the sofa's and the qubes and hope to select further furniture products from Office Reality for future projects.

]]>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/associations-of-laparoscopic-surgeons-of-great-britain-ireland-alsgbi
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/associations-of-laparoscopic-surgeons-of-great-britain-ireland-alsgbi
Our experienced sales team however were happy to oblige by providing information about each specific product and range until eventually a suitable solution was agreed upon. The Vital range is still a firm favourite with ourselves and our customers as it offers a wide range of solutions and looks contemporary and elegant.

The framework of the desks are available in white, silver and chrome and the tops in many different glass options, in this instance black glass was chosen. We were able to put together a competitive quotation and followed this up with a 3D visualisation of the office/boardroom delivery was made within two to three weeks and was delivered and installed by our experienced fitter in no time at all!

]]>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/does-shabby-chic-have-any-place-within-the-commercial-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/does-shabby-chic-have-any-place-within-the-commercial-office
OK so for those that don’t know what this new trend of shabby chic is, I will explain briefly. The idea is that old furniture that is often damaged old and seemingly worthless is up cycled and given a fresh look and resold as something that has a more vintage look. Not only has this fashion trend become more and more popular in recent years, it has also become a great way
of recycling without having to go through expensive methods. Often with a distressed look, this type of furniture appeals to the more vintage orientated demographic.

With this in mind, most offices seem to be gearing towards a more modern office feel. With the increase in the advancement of technology and the emergence of giant companies such as Google and Facebook and their lavish luxurious offices, you can see why the trend is for offices to get increasingly more contemporary looking. So why would anyone want to use “Shabby-Chic” furniture in their office?

Not all offices will benefit from the contemporary office look and this is mainly due to their industry. For example the fashion industry thrives on keeping up with the latest trends and with the vast popularity increase of “Shabby-Chic” then surely if they wanted to get into this market, then their offices or place of work should reflect this.

With all this being said, I don’t think that we will see these up cycled desks in large open plan areas, purely because these types of furniture are nearly always one off pieces. I think that we will however see these within the executive offices, appearing in offices that are not only looking for a desk or storage unit that has a vintage feel, but also something that will be the focal point of the room and will give a good impression when meeting new potential clients.

]]>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-chair-racing
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-chair-racing
You may think that office chair racing is just a silly game that a small group of employees created as an activity to do when bored or their boss is away. If you think this, then I am sorry to inform you that you are wrong!

Office chair racing, although it may be considered by some as ludicrous, the Germans have actually created a sport out of this and by all accounts it is becoming increasingly more and more popular as time progresses.

To put it simply, the competitors speed down a street in Germany and the racer with the fastest time is the winner.

One of the rules stipulates that you can only use a form of office chair and if you try any other form of office furniture then you will be disqualified.

Check out the video below for the very first German office chair racing competition!!!

]]>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tub-chairs-and-the-bbcs-sunday-politics-show
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tub-chairs-and-the-bbcs-sunday-politics-show
Tub chairs have become increasingly popular within offices for not only their comfort and appearance, but for their versatility. They can be used in not only the reception area, but are also perfect within breakout areas as well, offering a comfortable place for employees to relax on their breaks. So why are they called tub chairs?

Tub chairs have a unique shape which is where their name derives from. The idea is that the shape of a tub chair resembles the back of a bathtub. They have a high back that curves around to the front to create the arms, which are most commonly higher than that of a normal arm chair.

There are various styles of tub chair, but the bathtub shape is always present. They have various different styles of feet and are upholstered in a are range of different fabrics, vinyls and leathers.

The chair’s design makes it easy for people to get in and out of it and is not only comfortable to recline and to rest arms, it keeps the body’s posture in a positive ergonomic position.

It is not only Break out, receptions and even homes that these chairs can show off their versatility, it is even on the sets of TV programmes too.

Last year Office Reality supplied the set of BBC’s Sunday Politics Show with some brand new tub chairs that were upholstered in purple fabric and by all accounts, they seem very pleased with their new soft seating!

]]>Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/conference-centre-oxford
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/conference-centre-oxford
The conference centre was specifically designed to facilitate meetings, receptions, social and corporate functions and the furniture had to offer the flexibility needed to perform within these environments.

After the initial meeting with our in house interior designer it was also decided that the furniture had to reflect the buildings ‘light and airy’ feel. so We therefore kept the colour scheme neutral and introduced a white Harley modular boardroom table with matching conference Ellios chairs.

The Ellios chairs were used because they are lightweight and can stack up to 40 on a trolley which makes them very appealing and practical for conferences and meetings. The breakout areas features subtle colour leather Venus swivel chairs, Bobbin glass coffee tables together making a very elegant and stylish solution.

When Companion Care were planning to launch their first standalone veterinary surgery within the Pets at Home Store they came to us with a few ideas on how they wanted it to look. The desk had to be white, aesthetically pleasing and functional from both sides being the first point of contact for customers and their pets.

The Edison range of reception desk was finally chosen as it featured chrome stripes and a glass counter top and configured in to a wave style with a low DDA counter. The client was really pleased with the end result and came back to us in order to supply them with a similar desk on a quick turn around for their second store. We put forward the modular Avalon range of reception desks which is available in 14 different wood finishes (including white) and has numerous modular sections and storage options making it very functional.

The lead time is 3 weeks and comes with free installation. The client again was happy with this specified desk and they are being used throughout all the Pets at Homes across the country.

]]>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/queen-ethelburga-college
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/queen-ethelburga-college
Queen Ethelburga's is a private, independent, day and boarding co-education school in York. Their existing canteen furniture was not quite up to specification as it compromised of outdoor wooden slated style tables and chairs which were difficult to keep clean and tidy as they were moved around easily during busy periods.

After researching the fast food units we supply it became clear that the Rostock Unit would work well as it has a fully welded frame which is a necessity within the education sector. It is fully assembled and has a floor fixing option although heavy enough to stay firmly in place. One factor was the size of the standard unit being only big enough to seat 4 people, the college wanted the unit to support 6 students at a time whilst allowing them entry and exit on both sides of the unit without the interruption of the middle beam.

Our sales team talked to the manufacturer about this new specification and they came back with a suitable solution which led the college to place an order for 44 units. The Rostock units are very stylish as the seats are one piece and made of beech ply wood which looks very contemporary in any canteen or commercial environment. The product is also available with 5 year warranty if you are interested in this type of solution please do not hesitate to call.

]]>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ocpss
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ocpss
Simon Oliver the director of OCPSS contacted us to discuss plans for leading Marketing Indicia’s new office move of 80 personnel in to the historic area of Bristol’s Queens Square.

With adequate space for standard sized desks we were able to put forward a design proposal of double wave workstations with cantilever leg from the Avalon range. The Avalon range is a good choice for a medium to large scale project as it is available in a number of finishes and has various leg options. This Avalon range remains competitively priced compared with other ranges without compromising in any way on durability and robustness giving the client piece of mind. We were able to create some special sized meeting ends which were fitted on each desk bank offering space for printers and other electrical devices.

Keeping to retro theme furniture the design classic range was Charles Eames Style rocking chairs and the Eames soft pad chair for the breakout areas. These types of chairs however would not have been suitable for the general office as they required something a little more lightweight and practical we therefore supplied 80 mesh back Bisoto chairs. White boardroom tables from the new X2 range were chosen for the boardroom and we fitted these with Horizon cable management solutions. We cannot take credit for the artwork at the end of the office which spells out the company name Indicia smashing through a brick wall – this stunning art work was created by local graffiti artists reflecting Bristol’s interesting and diverse graffiti scene. The duo remain anonymous however so we cannot give them accreditation in this article....remind you of anyone else from Bristol?!

]]>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/napping-at-work
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/napping-at-work
It is not a secret, office workers in the UK and in many other countries across the globe are working longer hours every week. We have discussed in previous blogs that this is having a negative effect on the amount of work related injuries that are occurring due to longer working hours. Not only this, but working longer hours sat in front of your desk and sitting on your office chair is causing the fatigue levels of staff to increase, and thus having an effect on the overall productivity of the employees. So what about being able to have a nap at work?

Some scientists have recently disclosed that taking short naps during the day actually helps to increase productivity. So the question remains that should company bosses get angry with their employees accidentally nodding off while at work when science has proved that this could have a positive effect on the business? Office furniture manufacturer Haworth, based in Holland, not only agrees with this theory, but they have gone as far as to design and manufacture what is in effect a sleeping pod. The sleeping station, called the CalmSpace, is a "sleeping-capsule" that has been designed to be placed in the office and has a compact design so can fit in even the smallest of offices.

Inside the CalmSpace, the "bed" has been sloped in the recline position and mood lighting is also featured above to help sooth you into a snooze. Not only this, but there are speakers built into the pod which offer soothing music to also enhance your napping experience. Each nap is programmed for 10-20mins to avoid employees falling into a deep sleep. It may be a bit ambitious to think that these will be used in most offices around the country, but I am sure that "hip" companies such as Google and Facebook would very much be interested in the CalmSpace.

]]>Mon, 5 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-lii-chair-ergonomic-conference-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-lii-chair-ergonomic-conference-chairs
We have talked so much in these blogs about the right sort of chairs to use when in the office and sitting for long periods of time on them. There are plenty of ergonomic office chairs available on the market, some even able to provide comfort and a good posture for up to 24 hours a day. Having said this there aren't really many conference chairs that have an ergonomic design and can be used for long periods. Mesh Office seating have designed a chair that has an ergonomic shape and can provide the attendees at conferences with adequate support while seated for those long conferences.

Unlike most other conference chairs that maybe ergonomic, the Lii chair is lightweight and can be stored easily and efficiently. There are two different styles of chair, the cantilever or 4 legged options. The four legged chair is mounted on castors or gliders for easy mobility and can be folded away for easy compact storage. Available in three coloured frame options, Black, White or the classic polished frame, the chair is also available in a variety of colour choices with a choice of mesh or fabric seat.

These chairs are not only good for conference and meeting rooms, but can also be used in large halls for events, ceremonies, lectures and other equally large events. They are able to fold away for effective storage and can be placed around and moved extremely easily and quickly.

]]>Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advice-on-kitting-out-your-new-home-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advice-on-kitting-out-your-new-home-office
The increase in technology has not only changed the way that we work but it has also had a great influential effect on our personal lives. Regardless of whether you work from home or at a workstation or office desk in an office, nearly every household all over the country has a computer, whether it is a desktop or laptop.

It is not only the adults that use these computers, it is the children too. It is for this reason that more and more people are choosing to create an office within their home, not just for their work, but for their personal lives and their children. Here is some advice when planning to create or refurbish your home office. First and foremost, your office desk is the most important furnishing that you should take into account. Before searching for your perfect desk, you should analyse the room in which it will be situated and make sure that you measure the area you have designated carefully. Then you can start looking for your ideal desk, making sure that you choose a style of desk that is fit for the purpose.

The second important decision is your office chair. This is highly important as some people spend large quantities of the day sitting in this chair so it is very important that you get this right. It is important that if you do spend long periods of the day sitting in your office then you should get an ergonomic chair. Equally if the home office furniture is being used by the whole of your family, then you should make sure that the chair is fully adjustable, so whoever uses it is able to sit comfortably whilst working or just using the office for pleasure.

]]>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-age-of-the-soulless-desk-may-well-be-over
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-age-of-the-soulless-desk-may-well-be-over
The office desk has seemingly always been a place of dread for office workers. This soulless place where "clear desk polocies" are implemented and where the only personal item that can be kept on your desk was you're lunch may be a thing of the past. More and more companies are adopting the more personalised desk, but why?

With more and more online businesses cropping up, the need for clients to enter a workplace has never been lower. Conference calls have replaced face to face meetings, with even some people not even coming to the office to work. It is for this reason that the office has become a more relaxed and informal environment.

Don't think that this will mean that meetings in offices will end, but with many modern companies trying to come up with ways of increasing productivity, they are allowing their employees to create personalised work spaces so that they can work with a comfortable environment around them.

Stationary companies seem to be latching on to this concept and we can see more and more colourful quirky post it notes, pens and other accessories being brought out being specifically targeted at the modern small businesses and modern businesses. There will always be some companies that will remain with their traditional working values, not naming any names!

]]>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-you-attached-to-your-desk-it-may-be-time-to-let-go-
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-you-attached-to-your-desk-it-may-be-time-to-let-go-
Technology has become more and more a part of our daily lives for some time now. It has affected the way that we interact with friends, the way that we shop and even the way that we choose to work. Now with the internet and Wi-Fi being available in most public places, employees can now do their work from home, in a cafe, in fact almost anywhere with Wi-Fi.

This means that the act of having to commute to one building and sitting at the same office desk and on the same swivel chair will soon become a thing of the past. In Australia, workplace experts have predicted that in 5 years time, an increasing number of Australian office workers will embrace a more desk free working environment. They feel that the next step after the use of hot desks is a system that can allow employees to sit at a different office desk every day, sometimes even more than one desk each day, and use their laptops.

This new system that has been predicted by experts has been designed to do away with personalised desking and create an area of desks that every employee can use by just plugging in their laptop. Not only this but this predicted "activity-based" workplaces also allow their employees to stay work from home. Unfortunately, this way of thinking does not seem to work with all office based companies. This method of working should be slowly integrated into the work place, not just applied quickly as people in general are resistant to change and could seriously affect the morale and or productivity of an workplace. These are all just ideas of how an office will work, only time will tell if this is to be realised.

]]>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mercedes-benz-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mercedes-benz-office-furniture
No we are not saying that car manufacturing giant Mercedes Benz have turned their hand to office furniture, but that a South African has taken parts from a Mercedes and recycled them to create pieces of office furniture that are, even if you're not a fan of Mercedes, aesthetically pleasing.

Katie Thompson created her office furniture by taking parts from a used Mercedes-Benz SL R230 and turned them into recycled furniture. Firstly, and probably most obvious, she took the car seat and turned it into an office chair. She then used the dashboard as a desk and included a three time-zone clock with the speedometer now being used as a magnetised pad. It does not stop there as she used the air vents from the car as handy business card holders and the once ignition lock for the car has been turned into a holder for a USB hub.

She has even found a use for the rear view mirror, by turning it into a desk lamp. This is not the only piece of furniture that aids Thompson's concept of sustainable furniture. Just a few months ago, office furniture manufacturer AIS, based in Hudson, announced that they will be partnering with the non-profit organisation A NEW, to try and provide a service whereby AIS customers can donate their old office furniture and materials instead of throwing it away.

The concept is that these pieces of office furniture, whether it be office desks, office chairs or any other piece of office furniture, will be donated to public agencies and charities within a 50 mile radius of where the furniture has been donated from, thus helping all local communities, charities and saves cost on putting the furniture into landfill. AIS are quoted in saying: "This partnership is a great fit for AIS. As a lean manufacturer, we are very environmentally aware of not just what we produce, but what we dispose of. By aligning with A NEW, we can ensure that abandoned furniture becomes recycled and used to benefit our communities as opposed to filling up our landfills,"

]]>Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/yet-another-debate-on-the-open-plan-offices
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/yet-another-debate-on-the-open-plan-offices
Social networking giant Facebook have announced that their new headquarter offices will be based in California and will feature the largest office open floor plan in the world. The new headquarters will accommodate 3000 people over a single floor with the area covering over 10 acres.

The real question remains whether the open plan system offices are just suited to the companies and architects, without taking into account the employees needs. Open plan offices, were a drastic rethink from architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Duffy.

It was however in the 1960s that the idea or remnants of the idea came from Robert Propst. Propst was a designer for Herman Miller and when researching into office behaviour, he found that employees had their best ideas or were more productive when they were away from their desk. Using this idea, research that was carried out by American University MIT, headed by Thomas Allen in 2006 found that people work best when communicating with each other usually away from their office desk or within a 50 metre radius of it. Not only this, but it seemed that more important topics within the office were best discussed faced to face. It is for these reasons that the open plan style office idea was born.

There are, however drawbacks in the open plan office design, perhaps not for employers but for employees. The most common disadvantage or problem is that employees feel that their privacy has been taken away. You can argue, "why do they need such privacy?" but the fact remains that this is having an effect on the employees morale. Not only this but employees, are taken out of their comfort sphere and when moved into an open plan office space or working on an office bench system, you cannot personalise the desk in the same way that you can a cubicle and ultimately the individuality is lost.

]]>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/we-all-know-about-ergonomics-but-exercising-in-your-office-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/we-all-know-about-ergonomics-but-exercising-in-your-office-chair
I don't need to tell you that within the office furniture industry, ergonomics is a huge talking point amongst manufacturers, dealers and office experts. There are so many opinions flying around as too what is the best design for an ergonomic chair, what the best practices and exercises to use when in the office and even whether having an ergonomic chair really benefits an office worker that much.

There are a couple of new chairs/inventions that aim to help office workers to strengthen their core muscles when at work. The Core chair is one of these office chairs that has been designed to encourage active sitting with a unique patent pending mechanism that allows the user of the chair to sit in an ergonomic posture in the static position as well as being able to vary the resistance to allow the chairs seat to move whilst keeping your body ergonomically sound.

The chair moves with instant and infinite movement around the axis that it sits on which helps the lower back and pelvic region to move with the swivel based chair to exercise the bodys core muscles. The chair was originally designed by the use of exercise balls in the office and to help office workers find a more comfortable and active sitting position. The second piece of equipment that has just recently been brought to the market is the "Office Chair Strength Trainer".

This attachment to the office chair not only allows you to build and tone your muscles while at work sitting in your office chair but it comes with dual Velcro straps that attach to the backrest of your office chair and features a pulley system with elastic bands to ensure the right amount of resistance is applied whilst performing the exercises. Exercises that can be done with this office accessory include, shoulder presses, bicep curls and bench presses. One thing to remember however is that, it is probably best to use this piece of equipment at the end of the day as it will induce sweating!

]]>Tue, 2 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pluto-a-more-funky-cable-management-system
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pluto-a-more-funky-cable-management-system
The way that office workers work today has changed a lot in recent years, with the increase in the sophistication of technology. It was not that long ago that office workers were confined to cubicles with just an office desk, office chair and telephone.

Nowadays it seems that every desk has a computer and the way offices are laid out, has changed to. We seem to have migrated to a more open plan style office set up for a more collaborative way of working. Not only this but hot desking has become more popular, with more and more people being able to work from home or even anywhere that there is an internet connection. Working preferences have become more and more informal and now there is a power module that can satisfy these informal working environments. With studies showing that people work more productively, efficiently and effectively in small groups and that Pluto caters to that need.

The Pluto contains 3 outlet positions and is perfect for a small group of people to power/charge their devices. Most cable management systems have the capacity for data, mains plugs and USB, but the Pluto has contains the most compact Twin USB Fast Charger on the market. This facility means that it can fast charge tablets and mobile phones of all types quickly and efficiently making this cable management system perfect for use in public spaces. With most cafes, pubs and even some restaurants offering free WiFi, people can use their laptops, smart phones and tablets freely, and keep them charged using this small compact cable management module.

The Pluto is to be made in a wide range of different materials and can not only be mounted on a desk through a cable port but also mounted on a free standing column. The Pluto is going to be manufactured in December and we may find them popping up in cafes and bars as well as offices and public spaces in the not so distant future.

]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/well-buzzime
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/well-buzzime
Noise pollution in the office has become an increasingly worse problem as the introduction of open plan offices has become more and more popular. Open plan offices have been designed to increase the productivity and teamwork among staff. This maybe a very appealing advantage, but there are some disadvantages to consider.

Some staff feel that the privacy they once had with cubicle style offices has been taken away and to make things worse, noise pollution in offices has increased which has a negative effect on concentration and stress levels. There are products and office furniture out there that has been specifically designed to help alleviate the amount of noise in the office with their acoustic properties.

BuzziSpace is a typical example of this. Combining their own 100% recyclable and up cycled PET felt and fabric, they use this material to create office furniture that helps to absorb sound. BuzziSpace have a huge range of acoustic products from BuzziScreens that are mounted on the wall or from the ceiling to lampshades made out of their unique fabric that also helps to absorb sound in any given area.

Their latest product the BuzziMe is a large breakout seating swivel chair that has been designed for those who want a little bit of peace and quiet. Designed by Belgian designer Axel Enthoven was responsible for the look that to sum up is definitely striking. The chair combines functionality and ergonomics as well as sound reducing properties. The chair also has a swivel base and the high back and sides help to further reduce external sound levels. This makes it a perfect seat for high traffic areas such as lobbies, airports or offices. These chairs are available in BuzziFabric and the BuzziRough range with a wide choice of colourful materials to choose from.

]]>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/fact-office-design-can-boost-happiness
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/fact-office-design-can-boost-happiness
May come as a shock to you or most likely not, but having an efficient and well-designed office can actually help to improve not only your staffs productivity, but also their overall happiness. Designers and architects are both in agreement that an ergonomic, efficient and well planned office can really help the productivity of your staff for a number of reasons.

There are a number of factors that should be considered when designing an office, factors that you may not have thought of. For example office furniture, you may have thought about what the furniture looks like and have thought about where it is going to be placed. When designing this however, take into account the level of noise that might occur, where the desks are placed in relation to the facilities, for example, try to avoid placing a desk near to the toilet, or high traffic areas such as the tea point.

Lighting plays an important part in the day to day mood of an employee. It is more of a subconscious thing but a brighter workplace actually helps to pick the mood up for an employee. Not only this, but over time, a poorly lit environment will cause an employee to strain their eyes and overtime this can cause problems not only for the employee but for your company.

Taariq Nordien, a Partner at UF Architects, comments by saying that light can be the most important aspect when designing an office, but unfortunately many companies are put off by this because of the high expense. "When you're planning an office, you should consult a lighting expert. Ideally, you'd want a space where each employee gets natural light and then supplement that with artificial light, but this isn't always possible. So the more natural light, the better.

]]>Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/debating-the-organised-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/debating-the-organised-office
Whether you are single, live by yourself and do not have to share your home office or whether you have to share your home office with your family, having an organised work area and desk can be very important. By keeping an unorganised desk, you will lose time and money constantly having to look for things that are not in the proper place, not to mention the frustration that it will cause you barely being able to move your office chair.

This can also lead to missed deadlines, unpaid bills etc... This could cause you real problems. Something else to consider is that what happens if you become ill? This may not be such a large concern in a home office but what about at a place of work?
If your office desk is disorganised then how will people find much needed documents and files. This is when you need to think beyond your working life and think about the effect that your disorganisation is having on the rest of your colleagues and the business.

There are many excuses that people give to try and argue their case for having a disorganised office desk, for example "It is an organised mess and I know where everything is". Regardless of whether you do or you don't, in many offices you are not the only person that needs to find things, so in order to not waste their time as well, you should really think about keeping an organised workspace.

Finally try to make sure that the furniture around the office has been moved for better functionality. Having office furniture that is organised is not only aesthetically pleasing, but can save time and help your office to run more efficiently and smoothly through the day to day runnings.

]]>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/why-use-facebook-and-their-apps-part-1
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/why-use-facebook-and-their-apps-part-1
June 2010 saw Facebook reach a count of over 500 million members which made it the third-largest nation in the world, if it was an actual country. It is for this reason that more and more businesses are using Facebook as a marketing tool. Whether you are a business similar to ours, one that sells office furniture, cafe furniture, educational furniture etc... or if you simply are just advertising a brand, it will probably be beneficial for you to create a Facebook page.

Here are a few tips that you should take into account when creating a Facebook page to make sure that you get the most from your page and use it to its full potential. The idea of a Facebook page is that the more "likes" you get the larger your audience. This means that anything that you choose to post within Facebook or on your Facebook page will be seen by the people that have liked your page. The question is, how do you get these "likes" in the first place?

One important marketing tool that is being utilised by even some of the larger corporate businesses is fan gates. Fan gates are a great way of converting visitors to your page into fans. How this is done, is that when a visitor lands on your page, instead of going straight to your timeline, they reach a welcome page or gate that they can read to gain more information about your page. The reason that this is useful is that you can control what the non-members of your page can see over what the members can. You can use this page to generate curiosity or show a promotion the visitors can access if they like the page. You can put anything on this fan gate to try and ensure a conversion from visitor to a member.

]]>Fri, 7 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-is-bim
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-is-bim
Traditionally building design has relied mostly upon 2 dimensional drawings to plan out the construction process but a new concept is set to replace the traditional way in which buildings are planned from construction all the way through to demolition. The process has been labelled BIM, Building Information Modelling and stretches beyond the 3D realm. BIM does not focus on just the physical characteristics of the building, but also focuses on the function of the building through until the building is scheduled for demolition. This is where the other dimensions feature.

Time is the 4th dimension in this model and cost is the 5th, which gives a complete overall perspective of how the building is going to work, from the structure to the office furniture, office desks and office chairs. Building information models include everything from the buildings early concept design, to the buildings occupation and general function. To make sure that the information is managed efficiently, a BIM manager maybe appointed, this is very similar to a project manager that you may find being appointed to a more traditional construction plan.

The advantage of using BIM is that now there is more information, planning, coordination and communication where it was impossible to do so before. BIM is being used more and more among architects with today 6 out of 10 adopting this process. According to a recent study half of all contractors use BIM models in their building plans, which is four times the amount than the number of people who used it in 2007. This increase in the usage of BIM and the amount of information that it contains means that it can be used amongst all trades and help to resolve conflicts that previously would have been apparent before the BIM process was introduced. Below are some typical images that you might find in a typical BIM model.

]]>Tue, 4 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-debate-continues-ergonomic-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-debate-continues-ergonomic-furniture
Countless blogs and articles have been written on the subject of ergonomics and ergonomic office furniture for the reason of health. It is without a doubt that in the last 2 decades the amount of work related illnesses in the office is on the increase. This is mainly due to the fact that we are working more and more hours in front of the computer and combined with this, we are all under increasing pressure with our jobs and job security. There are many arguments for implementing ergonomic office furniture such as ergonomic swivel chairs and ergonomic wave desks, but what about the argument against?

Karin Griffiths the author of a new study into computer work and musculoskeletal symptoms says: "Workstation design has come a long way since the '80s and they are good changes," said Dr Griffiths, from the faculty of health science at the University of Sydney. What I also found was the proportion of people reporting symptoms has not changed much despite this, which means workstation design is not enough to keep up with health issues that arise from paperless,

IT-dominated offices." A survey was undertaken using 1000 workers across 6 government departments and the results were interesting however somewhat predictable. Firstly the department that spent the most time at their office desk working on their computer or seated in their office chair reported the highest level of work related problems. The survey also concluded that 85% of people that spent more than 8 hours a day seated in their office chair complained about neck pain, 74% had shoulder pains and 70% reported lower back pain. Griffiths finally adds "The problem is nearly everything can be done at the desk now - communication, library research, file retrieval, even meetings. It doesn't matter how good the chair is, it is not going to address the health problem of what some researchers are calling 'chair disease'.

]]>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/food-within-the-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/food-within-the-office
A study carried out by the Co-op found that office workers in Britain put on weight in their first year whilst sitting at their office desk. One average, new employees put on an average weight of 4.5kg (10lb) during the first year. It comes as no surprise that most of these weight gainers blame their fellow colleagues providing them with fatty foods and treats.

Not only this, but the survey suggests that one in seven of the people asked said that the felt the pressure to eat the food that is being passed around so as not to seem rude. It is quite hard to resist food in general when it is being passed around and coupled with the fact that most office workers spend 90% of the day in their office chairs, sitting in front of their office desks means that it is becoming a problem. Office workers generally don't tend to leave their desks; they just stay in the same position on their office chair and stare at the computer screen.

It is almost certain then that office workers who practice this way of working are going to gain weight. Firstly it is important that you drink regularly but responsibly. For example, try and stay away from sugary and fattening drinks is an obvious one and try to drink decaffeinated or fruit juices. Also try and drink plenty of water as it will mean that you will not be craving sugary and unhealthy drinks as much. Make sure that you make an effort to move around and stretch every now and again, this will help to keep your body's metabolism going. There are plenty of exercises that you can do within the office, on your office chair and with other office furniture that will help you to keep the blood flowing around your body.

]]>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/design-suggestions-for-your-home-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/design-suggestions-for-your-home-office
Even though it might be less than you think, more and more office workers are opting to work from home. However if you think that this is just a way for employees to just laze about and work in their pyjamas, on their bed, then you would be wrong. The idea of a home office is that this is an area to work and the furniture must reflect that. The ideal scenario is that there should be a proper office that you can work in, but this is not always possible.

You could allow space in the dining room or convert a spare bedroom for instance in order to work. The lounge is not the best place to fit a small office area has often this is an area of high traffic and there are usually many distractions, such as a TV that could cause your productivity levels to drop while working.

The office furniture that you choose to use is should be laid out in a manner that suits your needs. For example, let's say that you use your photocopier quite frequently during each day, you should make sure that this is plugged in properly and that the wires are untangled. This should go for all of your electronics, especially ones that are plugged into your computer. Make sure that you do not try to save money by buying a cheap office chair. You will be spending a lot of hours in this seat so it is recommended that you opt for an ergonomic chair that has appropriate adjustable features, including lumbar support, adjustable armrests and an adjustable back to name but a few. This will help ensure that you keep work related injuries to a minimum when you are working from home.

]]>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-exercises
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-exercises
Now that the Olympics are over and the sport fever is beginning to run from our systems, many office workers will go back to work and continue their old habits. While we still have some form of an active mentality, maybe we should look at the way we work, sit in our office desk and how we compose ourselves at our office desks.

Office workers often feel that with the increase in workload and stress, they are far too busy at work to exercise. With longer hours being forced upon us, having the time to make sure that we exercise has become a major issue. Fitnut is an Aberdeen based office wellbeing company that try to help employees exercise during the working day whilst sitting on their office desk on their office chair. Managing director Penny McIntosh has a few tips for turning your office desk and other office furniture in a gym. For the lower part of your body, sit up straight in your chair and extend one leg straight out in front of you. Hold this position for a few seconds and then raise the leg up as fair as you can and hold for another few seconds. Do this with each of your legs 15 times. For the upper part of your body, if your desk is strong enough, place your palms on the edge of your desk approximately a shoulder width apart and lower your chest to the edge of the desk.

Then push back up effectively performing a press up on the edge of your desk. Repeat this motion 20 times. Finally you will need to do some floor exercises. There are plenty of places around the office that you can do this, for example an empty meeting room or even under your desk. Exercises can range from press ups, abdominal curls and squats and lunges. By taking the time to leave your desk and swivel chair 2-3 times a day, we are sure that you will feel less stressed and healthier. It may even make you feel that you want to exercise more outside of work.

]]>Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-cubicles-dont-have-to-be-boring
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-cubicles-dont-have-to-be-boring
You may be very well aware that there has been a shift from the old style office design, for example rows and rows of cubicles to the open plan office layouts. The main reason for this is that companies are moving towards working more communicatively and more creatively together. There are disadvantages to the open plan office design though, the first being that the level of noise in the office can reach higher levels than normal as there are less office screens in the way to deaden the sound. The second is the lack of privacy that an open plan office gives you.

There may be desktop screens that separate the desks but studies have shown that this is not enough for some employees. Office cubicles, usually made up from standard office screens, seem to be making a comeback, but not in the way that you might expect. Designs for cubicle offices have changed dramatically showing that actually there are more interesting office cubicles that provide a pleasurable place to work. Below are a few examples: Selgas Cano Architecture Office Designed by Iwan Baan, these offices are located in beautiful woodland in Madrid. The cubicles have huge windows overlooking the woodland and you cannot help but be inspired by the scenery outside. The roof has been designed to be clear to reduce the amount of usage of electricity on lights making the office more dependent on the surrounding natural light.

Privacy Cubicle

This interesting designed cubicle moves away from the traditional modesty panel concept that protects the users privacy. This design seems to do the opposite as the whole of the upper body is encased with a shed style cubicle on legs.

Studio 53 Concept

Designed by office furniture giant Steelcase, this concept was originally designed for NeoCon in 2006, however was so successful, visitors were asking to purchase this as is. The concept was made for users to be able to have a relaxed meeting area in a small space within the office.

]]>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/work-hubs-instead-of-working-from-home-may-be-a-more-desirable-solution
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/work-hubs-instead-of-working-from-home-may-be-a-more-desirable-solution
The Olympics in London is imminent, but unfortunately the whole city cannot stop working for the games, no matter how much we wish it could. It is for this reason that many companies that have offices in the centre are encouraging their staff to work from home during the games to try and avoid commuting during the high traffic problems that are expected. The problem with not working at their office desk and working in their home office is that many employees feel that there are just too many distractions when it comes to working from home.

For example, the Olympics will be held over the school summer holidays and people with children may find their home office becoming a play centre for their children. Office "Work Hubs" are being set up around the country to try and alleviate this problem. The way they work is similar to gyms in the sense that users can pay by the day or pay monthly depending on personal preference. There will be a mix of professions in the shared offices as the offices and the office furniture has been set up to be used by a range of different uses. Most will have the basics such as a computer, phone, printers and scanners, where as some will have services such as disk burning, laminating and binding. Most of the hubs available have meeting rooms with appropriate meeting room furniture that you can book, however this may be included in the price or can be an extra charge for as and when the meeting room is needed.

Tim Dwelly, a managing director for Live Work Network has reprted that people who use the hubs, on the whole have a pleasurable experience. He comments "It reduces their sense of isolation, and, of course, they use equipment that they don't have at home, such as video conferencing,"

]]>Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-workers-can-work-up-to-16-days-a-year-by-not-taking-their-lunch-breaks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-workers-can-work-up-to-16-days-a-year-by-not-taking-their-lunch-breaks
Ever since October 2008, with the economic downturn, the stress levels in the office amongst workers has increased. This is had an effect on how they behave in the office with many workers choosing to eat at their desk instead of in the break out areas. Not only this, but research suggests that 60% of workers are not even taking a full hour for their lunch as they say that they feel "guilty" if they take the full hour. A study that was carried out across 1000 people found that 60% of workers ate at their desks every day while two thirds of these take 30 minutes for lunch even though they are allowed to take 6 minutes.

With all of this time saving and eating at their office desks, office employees are working 128 hours extra per year which amounts to 16 extra 8 hour days that employees spend in their office chairs and at their office desk. The down side to this is that with more people spending time at their desks and sitting on office chairs with a bad posture means that there are certain health risks that are becoming more and more apparent. I don't need to keep telling you that our office workforce is suffering more and more due to the longer hours spent working at our computers.

The problem is that now employees are almost scared to leave their desk and move around because they are worried about losing their jobs, and in this economic climate, who can blame them? In order to stay healthy when working long hours, we need to get off our chairs regularly and take short breaks. Exercise is key, as it is important to keep the blood properly flowing round your body to decrease the chance of injury.

]]>Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-tallest-building-in-europe-the-shard
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-tallest-building-in-europe-the-shard
Last night saw the opening of London's latest high rise building, the Shard but the general consensus does not appear to be very positive. The opening consisted of twelve high powered lasers and 30 searchlights that lit up the sky of London last night to celebrate the tallest building in Europe.

The 95 storey building, which is 1016 ft high, is situated near London Bridge and had a light show that was unlike any other. Observed by the Duke of York and the Qatari prime minister, the light show was set to two pieces of classical music that was performed live by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Unfortunately not all Londoners were particularly pleased with the opening ceremony. Those who tried to watch the show from the surrounding areas, including Debbie Lemon were "bitterly disappointed".

Debbie also comments, "We were expecting a light show and saw fairy lights twinkling in the distance - nothing out of the ordinary." Unfortunately not all of London is completely satisfied by the Shards presence as looking at forums, there are mixed opinions. "It reminds me of that tall building in Lord of the Rings with the all seeing eye." is a quote from one particular forum. The cost of building the hard and the surrounding area of London Bridge are estimated to be £1.5 billion and was financed by Qatar. The prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bid Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani commented on the financing of the Shard and the £20 billion that the UK has received from Qatar, "We are committed and believe in investing in your country," he said. "There continues to be a lot of problems in the world economy that will show who is weak and who is strong, and we will show that we are a strong partner."

]]>Fri, 6 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-a-break-room
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-a-break-room
Every office has an area that employees can use for breaks; however this has't always been the case. Nowadays employees expect this and why shouldn't they? Break out areas are an ideal place to converse with fellow co-workers, eat your lunch and just generally an area to relax away from your desk. It is important then that you spend time on getting this area to give a relaxing feel and vibe to boost your staffs morale. We all know that if your staff are happy, they perform well, so creating an fresh and vibrant employee break area can really help to keep your staff happy and productive. Every break room should have the basics regardless of the area.

These include tables for eating and meeting people, sofas for employees to relax in comfortable seating and a kitchen or kitchenette area. This may sound odd, but the design of the area is less important than the actual pieces of furniture that you decide to put in. You want to make sure that you have adequate seating to accommodate everyone, particularly at times of the day where there tends to be high traffic in the break room. There are some design tips that we recommend that you adopt to try and reach your break out areas full potential. For instance try to keep the kitchen and seated lunging area close to one another as this helps with employees being able to socialise with one another easier. Try and make the space in the break room free from the uniform decor of the office and try to allow your employees the opportunity to customise and personalise the area. You can add notice boards and bulletin boards into this area as well as it is more likely to be seen by all the employees.

]]>Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-chair-that-will-change-the-way-we-sit-for-the-better
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-chair-that-will-change-the-way-we-sit-for-the-better
I know that this is perhaps not the first time that you have heard this, but study shows that we are sitting down more and more as our lifestyles have evolved and that this is having a direct impact on the our levels of fatigue, back pain and soreness. What I mean by this is that we as people are suffering because of the amount of time that we spend seated. When we think about how much we sit, we seem to only think about the time that is spent working. Usually we neglect to think about the time in the morning and evening when we spend time relaxing.

Having said this there is a definite trend over the decades that as we have increased our time spent working in the office, so have the numbers of people suffering from back pain and soreness in other areas of the body. Ergonomics is a word that has been used in the office furniture industry for some time now, however there has not really been a solution to the ever increasing problem of work related injuries. It does seem that the only solutions we have are regular water/toilet breaks or introducing a treadmill to the office. This is more of a distraction than anything, however a newly design chair might bring us one step closer to ergonomic bliss.

The Core-Flex Split Seat chair is a new design that has a seat that has been split in half and allows the legs to move naturally and allows the core of your body to remain engaged and do its job of holding you up. The body, even when standing still has a natural rhythm called postural sway that shifts the body from side to side on average once every 30 seconds. This office chair enables the user to keep the body's natural sway enabling you to work with ease.

]]>Wed, 13 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/in-pursuit-of-office-chair-perfection
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/in-pursuit-of-office-chair-perfection
What can you compare an office chair too? The fact is that we use office chairs regularly in our daily lives especially if you work in an office. Office chairs can be compared to shoes that we wear. Firstly we spend much of our time in them, they differentiate between status and taste and they affect the way our body feels.

The difference between office chairs and shoes is that we don't get to pick our office chairs, they are always provided for us by the company we work for. Unfortunately it appears that over the decades we have never got this quite right. Work related injuries are on the increase and it appears that we still have no solution or the optimum office chair. So why have we not reached a solution when we seem to be working more and more in them and it is effecting our health. Chairs and benches have been around the work place for centuries, but it wasn't until 1850 in the United States that a group of engineers began to examine how chairs could promote health and comfort through correct posture positions and the movement of the body. The seating that was made around this time was carefully dubbed patent seating as the designers, who were mostly doctors and engineers took out patents for their designs. In 1920 the idea that sitting comfortably made you lazy and backless benches and chairs were quite common particularly in labour factories.

Due to the growing number of complaints of productivity and illnesses particularly amongst women, a company called Tan-Sad began developing and manufacturing a swivel based chair that had a curved backrest that could be adjusted depending on the user. It was this creation that began the research into ergonomic design, however as of yet, we are still waiting for a solution to this problem.

]]>Sat, 2 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-you-sure-youre-sitting-comfortably
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/are-you-sure-youre-sitting-comfortably
Millions of office workers across the globe but particularly in cities are suffering and are at risk of fatal diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, obesity, to name but a few. The reason for this is mainly due to our lifestyle choices and the way that we work. Humans are not "designed" or have not evolved to sit still all day, we are designed to move. An office worker in Britain works on average around 8-9 hours a day. It is not the time just in the office sitting on their office chair though that is causing these problems.

Normally a worker will drive to and from work and also sit and watch TV for an extended length of time which can double the risk of a blood clot according to a recent study by Lifeblood. It is not just your position that can affect your amount of pain. Scientists at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research suggested that whether or not you enjoy your job can make a difference to your body indicating that you were more likely to suffer from problems such as back pain if you did not like your job. Dr Rishi Loatey from the British Chiropractic Association said that around 80% of British people will suffer from some form of back pain in their lives, however not all of these will be because they are sitting for prolonged periods at their office desk or on their office chair. Having said this a large proportion of these people will have a sedentary office-type job.

If you look at most people's lifestyle these days, it's get up, drive or take the train to work, sit at work, take the train or drive back home again and sit at home. 'A lot of people don't even leave their desk at lunchtime. So we're not getting up and walking about, which is important and what we're designed to do but we're spending the time just sitting. Our bodies aren't designed for that.

]]>Wed, 30 May 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/students-create-office-furniture-commissioned-by-herman-miller
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/students-create-office-furniture-commissioned-by-herman-miller
Commissioned by Herman Miller, for New York design week 2012 a group of students put forward their prototypes for this year's exhibition. Many of the office environments that we work in these days are open plan and are designed to encourage team work, but the down side to this is the workers need for comfortable surroundings and privacy. Trying to solve or improve this issue, the students began their design concepts for display during design week.

Below are some examples of the prototypes put forward: "The Integrated Workstation" by Matthew Plumstead includes a horizontal piece of furniture that has been integrated into the workstation itself and adds another element to the way that we work. Plumstead himself believes that this piece successfully includes a third option for sitting when it comes to working."The Alcove Chair" by Mike Haley is a large lounge chair that was inspired by Mike's bad experiences when he worked in a call centre. He found that the break out are within the office and the office furniture and cafe furniture provided very little or no comfort and there was no privacy. This means that when you were on your break, you couldn't relax or rejuvenate. To combat these issues Haley created an extra-large lounge chair that gives the user an area to relax in a number of positions to help recharge during a short break. He also sees the chairs being used in airport lounges and other public spaces.

"The Private Rocker" by Kyle Fleet has used the idea of a rocking chair with an enlarged design to provide not only a comfortable seat but an almost cubicle like design to create a private space. The chair also muffles sound to provide a small concealed space that signals in use by the chai's movement.

]]>Mon, 28 May 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/we-may-work-mobile-but-never-outdoors
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/we-may-work-mobile-but-never-outdoors
Nowadays our work and social lives are overlapping as more and more of us have to answer work calls whilst on a night out, over the weekend, or when we are out during the day and are asked to come back to the office. Its official, we are becoming a workforce that is more mobile and having to be on call, it seems all hours of the day.

The reason is that we can access our emails and take sales calls via our smartphones that have made into mobile office workers, but even so we haven't made the leap into working outdoors. Jonathon Olivares looks at why we still choose to work indoors. Olivares is extremely interested in why we have adopted such standards for working, for example, the fact that drywall has become industry standard. Olivares was given a grant from The Graham Foundation to study outdoor workspaces 3 years ago and his findings were revealed in an exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Outdoor Office, the name of Olivares exhibition, has taken research from an outdoor office space used by Haitian relief workers to the Google campus in Palo Alto. The reason for this research is that Olivares believes that by being outdoors, we are able to better think and be creative, and this is actually believed by many others. Having created 3 different prototypes which form part of a proposal for an outdoor furniture system. The office furniture consists of recycled rubber for the floors, an easy put up/put down tent system and UV-resistant shading. There is no plan to move outdoors any time soon as the designs for these outdoor office furniture systems were hypothetically conceived. But who knows within a few years we could see our offices, office furniture and office chairs be taken outdoor to use.

]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ergonomic-workstations-cruise
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ergonomic-workstations-cruise
As the way in which we work changes, so does the office furniture that we use. It is common knowledge that we are working on computers more and more and our bodies are suffering as a result of this. Office tasks used to be a case of inputting data whilst looking down at paperwork and typing on a keyboard, however now the type of office work that we do is shifting towards intensively sitting on our office chairs and looking at the monitor.

In order to combat this and prevent problems caused by bad posture the office furniture that we use needed to change. The ergonomic furniture that we use today tends to tilt the upper body away from monitor to find the best angle to work and distance from the screen. Okamura focused on these points outlined to develop the Cruise workstation that creates a posture not only for working, but thinking as well. Cruise is the product of mixing commercial working environments with the education sector to create a workstation that can be used in both situations. The rear tilt theory used on this ergonomic office chair was made through collaborative research with human body engineering at Keio University department of science and technology by professor Nobutoshi Yamazaki. Human body engineering is the research that attempts to understand the physical characteristics of the human body and its essential requirements.

This low-seat, rear-tilt posture is the result of accumulated experiments using office chairs, office desks and other equipment that is available in a variety of shapes. The Cruise workstation has a futuristic design, that maybe we will see in future other office furniture manufacturers attempting to imitate.

]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/youve-bought-the-latest-ipad-but-what-about-the-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/youve-bought-the-latest-ipad-but-what-about-the-chair
The introduction of laptops has seen a new way in which office workers carry out their work, whether it be in the office at their office desk or whilst on the train. Tablets are the latest craze when it comes to using computers as more and more people are choosing to use them not just for work, but for pleasure as well. The problem with these computers is that they can be quite hard to use.

For example the way you have to use these, make sure that you have to use one of your hands to hold the tablet, leaving only one hand to type. Also when using these at an office desk, the tablet is normally placed flat to the table meaning that you have to hunch over the desk in an non ergonomic position. This over time can cause back and spine problems. There is a seat that plans to change the way that we use our iPads and other tablets and it has been brought to the market by Elite Home Theatre Seating. The recliner features a Luxa 2 H4 IPad holder that secures the computer firmly with 6 rubber pins, this means that you can wield the iPad with both hands free.

The recliner itself is motorized and allows for easy reclining movement. The chair can then swivel and pivot 360 degrees and the iPad itself can be rotated vertically or horizontally and can be positioned even flat like a table. Company founder Bobby Bala explains about the iPads invention. "The iPad is a user friendly, relaxing tool that allows you to complete tasks in a fun, efficient, and enjoyable way. The one drawback however, is that it can be a bit difficult to find the optimum ergonomic position when using it, especially since one hand is usually required to hold it. We wanted to enhance the iPad experience by increasing the comfort level of the user. Our testing indicates this increases the level of interaction and escapism with the device.

]]>Tue, 8 May 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/world-office-chair-racing-championship
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/world-office-chair-racing-championship
It may seem unbelievable, but this sport actually does exist. This weekend will be host to the fourth annual world office chair racing championship that will be held in Laichingen, Germany. Unbelievably this sport is becoming increasingly popular in Germany and there will be around 50 competitors will be taking part. One of these participants is Robert Dawson-Goodey an intern based in London who is not only planning on flying down a German road on an office chair, but he is attempting to make it to the start line without spending a penny on travel.

Robert 23, needs to get to Laichingen within 3 days from setting off in London where he intends to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes. The race itself will see competitors race down the street with speeds of up to 30 mph on various forms of modified office chairs. The only safety precautions that they have available to them is helmets knees and elbow protectors. "I have no idea how I'm going to get there, where I'll be sleeping, or what my final journey will look like. I'll just be relying on people's goodwill and sense of humour!"

Robert's employer, Chillisauce who organise events including activity weekends, stag and hen weekends and corporate events, have already pledged £250 towards the campaign. They have also said that if Robert wins the competition they will double it. Adrian Simpson, who is the creative director at Chillisauce stated: "We encourage as many people as possible to help Robert on his journey and raise as much money as possible for Help For Heroes." Robert set off yesterday and plans to reach the start line before 9am on May 6th.

]]>Fri, 4 May 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-to-2012-luce-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-to-2012-luce-chair
The way that we work from day to day in our offices has changed, very dramatically. We have gone from working in office cubicles to a more open plan way of working. Of course there are still call centres that require call centre furniture, but it is fair to say that office environments, particularly SMEs are geared towards share workstations and office desks and collaborative work. It is for this reason that the necessity for fully adjustable office furniture is on the rise. Office furniture needs to by dynamic and adapt to the different people that use it day after day.

Ergonomic office furniture has helped to increase productivity and reduce risks of injuries at work, it's a fact. So it is obvious that there is a need for an office chair to perform a multitude of functions whilst still keeping the user comfortable at all times. The Luce chair that is set to be launched at "The Office Exhibition" in Dubai this May, uses computer technology to provide comfort and keeps you in a good posture however you move. The Smart Relaxation Seat incorporates technology that was originally used in the Leopard chair prototype to adjust the seat and back to create an excellent sitting position.

Robot Leg Technology is also used to raise the seat to the optimum height and alleviates the body's impact when sitting on the chair. Designed by Giugiaro Design, this design is simple and light as well as being completely functional like no office chair before it. The chair also features Gradated mesh that actually changes in density due to the fabric's construction to provide firm support whilst still creating a comfortable seat. This type of mesh also provides another function and that is that it is aesthetically pleasing.

]]>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/maybe-we-dont-all-want-to-work-from-home
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/maybe-we-dont-all-want-to-work-from-home
The latest OFAS newsletter has produced some surprising results and states that maybe we, as a nation of office workers, prefer to not work from home. The British Council for Offices has provided some interesting results, stating that the majority of employees, 79% in fact, prefer to work in the office at their office desk and not actually at home at all. 1,000 offices workers were asked a number of questions carried out by YouGov and the results found that in fact many of the office workers preferred to come into the office for social reasons.

Being able to meet and converse with fellow colleagues face to face was rated as the top office perk 79% of workers said. This perk was voted above access to technology and company files that was rated at 61% and better computer hardware and software that only 35% felt was a perk. Within the workplace itself, 68% of employees consider that their office workstation, by this we mean their office desk and office chair are vital elements in the workplace design. 67% of these people said that their office space had a positive impact on their productivity. This is proof that office design plays an important role in the productivity in the office. The type of office that you have plays an important role in how your office functions, the happiness of the employees and also the impression you give to visitors and potential clients.

Office furniture is a big part of this and by choosing the right office furniture for your office will help you no end. Spending that little bit of extra money on the right type of office desks or providing ergonomic office chairs for your staff will go a long way in helping to make your business a success.

]]>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/high-calorie-sports-drinks-are-becoming-a-health-hazard-to-office-workers
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/high-calorie-sports-drinks-are-becoming-a-health-hazard-to-office-workers
It appears that one in 5 office workers are drinking high calorie sports drinks at their office desks and as they are not burning off these calories it is becoming a risk. A fifth of these people are saying that they are doing this to help them recover from hangovers.

The problem is that these energy - boosting drinks are made for people that are doing high impact exercise and not for people who are sitting on their office chair all day and at their office desk. Each bottle contains 500ml of fluid which is made up of 150 calories which takes an average of 20mins to burn via a brisk jog. Not only this but some of the drinks also contain high levels of caffeine that have been linked to heart problems and behavioural disorders.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have said that the only people that should be drinking these isotonic drinks are "active individuals performing endurance exercise". Having said this, a survey undertaken by the National Hydration Council found that 11 million adults in the UK, which includes a quarter of men, have them sitting at their office desk and drink them throughout the day. There are various reasons that people have them sitting at their office desk and a fifth of the 2000 people questioned about the survey admitted that they had the drinks when feeling tired where as 18 percent of the people asked said that they used them as a cure for a hangover.

'These products are designed for highly-active sportspeople undertaking regular high-intensity training and performance exercise lasting for more than 45 minutes. What's even more concerning is that this insight is paired with people not drinking enough water or at the right times.'

]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/why-not-try-turning-your-shed-into-a-home-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/why-not-try-turning-your-shed-into-a-home-office
As we know more and more people are choosing to work from home for many reasons. There are the environmental reasons, reduced travelling distance, time saving, as well as convenience. One of the problems that many office workers face is where to put their home office before they have ven begun to consider what type of office furniture that they need. In the past few months there has been a large increase in the sales of home office furniture, office storage and office chairs that is mainly due to the Olympic Games.

Unfortunately work for many people will not cease during the Olympics and many of the office workers working in London, particularly in the East will have a tough time travelling to work. It is for this reason that many people are opting to work from home during this period or even set up the office for work after the games. One problem facing the transition is finding a space within the home to put an office. In order for a home office to function successfully you need to make sure that the area is free from distractions. What I mean by this is that it should be out of the way from the usual traffic in the home and away from noisy rooms such as the kitchen or lounge. So why not try converting your garden shed? Electricity is obvious when converting your shed but you need to be contactable.

Installing a phone line and internet facilities nowadays is a necessity even if it is just an extension from the house. Also you need to think about whether the room will have a dual function. For example will the shed double up as a spare room for guests? There are a range of office desks for the home that are on offer from Office Reality, some of which can foldaway to give the illusion of a cupboard when not in use. Also you will want to make sure that you buy a comfortable office chair, one that is preferably ergonomic particularly if more than one person is going to use it as usually these are the most multi adjustable.

]]>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/doctors-office-design
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/doctors-office-design
When visiting the doctors have you ever felt that you feel worse when you enter the doctor's office or waiting room? There may be a reason for this may not be down to the fact that there are ill people around you. One of the reasons that you may feel worse when you sit in the waiting room or on a swivel chair or visitors chair in the doctor's office is the decor.

Doctors and dentists are notorious for their awful decor. Why then do they insist on painting their offices with the signature lilac/grey walls and the teal coloured upholstery on their chairs and other furniture? Also the configurations of the waiting rooms mean that all of the waiting room chairs or sofas tend to be lined up against the wall. Studies suggest that by having high quality office furniture or an interior design that is of a high specification, patients actually feel more in control and therefore as a consequence less ill. Having plants and other natural items in waiting rooms also has a positive effect and can even reduce stress levels.

So I guess that the question is if research is showing that having a better quality interior helps patients to feel better, then why aren't more doctors implementing these changes? There are guidelines put forward by the government for health and hygiene that doctors, private or not have to abide by, but these do not stretch as far as the style of furniture or colour of the office. When choosing your office furniture, the patients comfort should be one of your main priorities. It should also be sturdy and upholstered in fabrics that are preferably patterned as these tend to show minimal wear and you should also look into fabrics that repel stains.

The layout of your seating should also be taken into account as even though you want to fits as many seats as possible you should consider creating conversation areas that will help reduce the stress levels.

]]>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/red-bull-offices
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/red-bull-offices
The look and ambiance of an office is rapidly becoming important decisions in most offices. It is not just about finding the right type of office furniture, for example office desks and office storage, but also about how the office looks and the decor.

Any reputable business manager knows that in order for a business to reach its full potential, you should make sure that your staff are happy and productive. Creating the right atmosphere in an office is not only good for your staff, but also potential customers as well. Architects and designers know the importance of this and some taking an unorthodox approach to office design for example the Red Bull headquarters in North Amsterdam. Sid Lee Architecture was commissioned by Red Bull to design the new office space.

The brief they were given was to create an area that was "rebellious" and unique, but still keeping the area artistic and eye catching. The project manager from the Montreal based architectural company claimed "We wanted to create stand-alone architectural pieces that not only represent the site but also express the essence of the Red Bull brand".

The company Red Bull originally started out life selling energy drinks; however the Red Bull name has grown way beyond the world of beverages, into extreme sports, to create a brand that was one of a kind. It is for this reason that Sid Lee wanted to incorporate this into their extreme sports background into the design. The decor itself has been described as being a unique blend of architecture with urban roots. Constructed from black metal and plywood, the idea was to create roughly edged walls to mimic skateboard ramps and other extreme sports fixtures. The area has also been designed with large open rest areas to further add to the offices aesthetics

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]]>Tue, 3 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/secure-the-deal-with-comfortable-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/secure-the-deal-with-comfortable-office-furniture
It is often said that business deals are often sealed over a relaxing lunch or a meal in a restaurant. Creating a relaxing environment for the potential client is often key to securing a business deal. There are a few ways of setting the right mood, including alcohol, but more and more managers and executives are choosing to discard there executive furniture such as visitor chairs and executive chairs and are replacing them with comfortable furniture such as office sofas that would not look out of place in your own living room. It has been common practice within business deals to take the potential customer to dinner and give them a glass of wine or pint to further relax them.

This is one way of relaxing your client and helping them to talk more openly and freely, however more and more managers are finding success in turning their office into a more domestic comfortable environment. When converting your office or meeting room in this way, there are a few things that you should consider beforehand. In a normal office standard executive desks or office desks form a barrier between each of you so one of the first things that you should do is to conduct your meeting in an area that perhaps is only separated by a coffee table or perhaps not even anything at all.

Having a choice of seats rather than designating a specific seat can make a surprising difference , however then make sure that you sit opposite to help to fully engage with the customer, client or visitor. Generally people are going to feel more relaxed in a homely environment and are more likely to speak to you on a more personal level. If you think about psychiatrists meeting room, there is a reason why they make the whole area more comfortable.

]]>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-design
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-design
Nowadays the look and feel of an office is up there in important decisions in most offices. It is not always just about the office furniture, for example the office chairs or the office desks. It can be more about the layout and decor and how to create the right environment for staff, visitors and potential clients. This can involve, especially in this case, architects and project managers choosing a more unorthodox approach to office design.

Often using simplicity to create complex environments, the new Red Bull headquarters is no exception to this. Sid Lee Architecture was the commissioning party behind the offices creation. The building itself was a former shipbuilding factory, with high ceilings and has an 875 metre squared space which gives ample amounts of room. The idea behind this office refurbishment was to create an area that is intent on being "rebellious" and a bit different whilst still maintaining an air of interest and creating an environment that can be considered artistic. The architect in charge of this project from the Montreal based architecture company said "We wanted to create stand-alone architectural pieces that not only represent the site but also express the essence of the Red Bull brand". Originally selling energy drinks Red Bull has grown from beyond the beverage world and into extreme sports creating a brand that was unique.

The offices themselves are located in North Amsterdam in a converted shipbuilding factory that is spread over three bays. The bay to the left is a public space with a cafe and cafe chairs and cafe tables displayed at the front with the other two bays next to them remaining empty and waiting to house offices and workstations. The interior to the Red Bull office can only be described as a unique blend of modern architecture with urban roots. The decor itself has been constructed from black metal and plywood to create rough edged walls and semi open rest areas. The reason for the wood is that it is trying to mimic the role of the buildings previous occupants while still creating character and images such as skateboard ramps that are better known to the brand.

]]>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/keeping-your-office-clean
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/keeping-your-office-clean
The chances are that, without seeming to be rude, your office desk is not as clean as it should be. So the question remains why keep your home clean to avoid catching germs when you might get them at work anyway? The answer is to make sure that you keep your office and office furniture as clean as possible to avoid the spread of infection. The first tip is quite an obvious one and that is to make sure that you have cleaned and disinfected your work space.

Viruses are constantly being reproduced especially on surfaces such as office desks and office floors. It is important that you give these areas a proper clean and not only this but you make sure areas such as door handles and door knobs keyboards and anything else that hands come into contact with on a regular basis are cleaned with an anti-bacterial solution. Alcohol based sanitizers are perfect for cleaning hands as alcohol is a drying agent and kills all viruses and bacteria immediately. It is important to note that alcohol is liable to dry your skin so always choose a branded alcohol-based fragrance-free hand sanitizer, which also includes moisturiser in its ingredients.

Make sure that you thoroughly scrub your hands. By scrubbing them for 10-30 seconds it helps to disinfect your hands. Also try and avoid touching dirty objects as much as possible, for example workstations, desktops, keyboards, office screens etc... as you tend to deposit a lot of dirt inside your nails and not forgetting your eyes cheek and mouth. The break out area and office kitchen is a fantastic place for harbouring bacteria. The best practice is to make sure you use your own coffee/tea mug and wash them at least twice a day. Also make sure your food is kept in a clean safe area.

]]>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-new-way-of-printing-in-the-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-new-way-of-printing-in-the-office
3D printing is not a completely new advancement. It has actually been around for about 20 years or so. The idea is that layers are placed on top of each other and a 3 dimensional product is built up. You could say that wood cutting and engraving using machines are the earliest forms of three dimensional printing however the technology is developing so rapidly that we might see some of these forms of machines in the office environment. Imagine being able to print a replacement arm for your office chair?

Or perhaps even create a laptop stand for use at your office desk? It used to be that machines that have the capacity to do this cost more than £100,000 however now, like most trends in technology, the prices have fallen to a level that is affordable even to consumers. Makerbot is a typical example of how this type of technology can become affordable. This machine uses a process called extrusion to develop their 3D objects. A spindle of plastic is unravelled, melted and then fed through the printer which builds the object up layer by layer.

You also don't have to shell out a fortune on CAD programs, Makerbot allow you to use free design software programs such as Google Sketchup to design your object. So where do we see this in the office? With this type of machinery in the office you would have the ability to print your own stationary; this may be something simple such as a paper clip to as previously mentioned, a new replacement arm for an office chair. It is also thought that in time if the machines are large enough, we could see other small forms of office furniture being produced. If one of you seats on your cafe chairs in the break out area breaks, within minutes you can print a replacement.

]]>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-furniture-for-non-profit-organisations
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-furniture-for-non-profit-organisations
It is hard to believe but there are non-profit organisations out there that although do not take any profits from the company, but also don't have enough money to refurbish they're office furniture. Kane Furniture Bank are a charity that allow non-profit companies such as the Montgomery County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to take office furniture such as office chairs and office desks free of charge to use in their premises. Kane Furniture Bank collects office furniture that was going to be disposed of and once a month allow non-profit to take the furniture and use it in their offices.

Katie Slye-Griffin and her assistant used to walk around their current office and have to make near enough constant repairs to their current office furniture, as the budget for the Montgomery County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness does not allow for the upgrading of office furniture. "You don't know what you're going to get in advance, but chances are you're going to find something that's of use to the organization," stated Katie Slye-Griffin "It's a huge cost savings." Office Movers are the company that founded Kane Furniture Bank in September last year as an environmental and charitable push to help the needs of honourable organisations.

Office Movers fill their 10,000 square foot warehouse every month with office furniture items such as office storage, filing cabinets, office desks and swivel chairs. The company doesn't stop there, they have also rehomed executive furniture such as boardroom tables, executive desks and executive chairs as well to help the growing businesses. Many companies have managed to save large amounts of money on office furniture including The Adoption Together staff. They had their office furniture for 12 years before they visited the Kane Furniture Bank and managed to save themselves more than $5,000. The furniture that they originally had was not in a great state when it was originally donated so Kane Furniture Bank has really given them something to be proud of.

]]>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/when-moving-your-office-it-pays-to-call-the-experts
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/when-moving-your-office-it-pays-to-call-the-experts
If you have or work for a developing business then moving office is a must. Depending on the size of your business this can be a very daunting task. Usually in the office it is down to one person, an executive assistant say, however the amount of work involved in planning the move is very extensive. You need to make sure that you have coordinated the books, files, computers and equipment, supplies etc... and that's not even including the office furniture. Many companies often buy new office furniture when moving offices.

This can add to the mammoth task as not only do you want to get the right office desks and office chairs to match the office decor, you also want to make sure that you get the configurations of the office furniture right. Some companies who do not budget for this use their old furniture, this may relieve you of the task of finding all new office furniture, but you also have to take into account where everyone will be seated and how the office will function. Not only has this but you want to take into account how you think the company will develop in 5 years.

Some things that you should take into account that is often overlooked, when moving are budget. Often companies do not budget enough for not only new office furniture but the disposal of their old office furniture including office chairs and office storage. Also it is worth noting that things tend to get lost in a big move, so double check everything is labelled and thoroughly check the offices once they have been emptied. Office Reality has the facilities and the expertise to help you with your office move so it may be worth giving us a call!

]]>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-has-become-of-news-of-the-world
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-has-become-of-news-of-the-world
It may come as no surprise that earlier this year, News of the World, an English tabloid paper was shut down due to allegations of phone hacking by the company's reporters. It is alleged that they hacked celebrities, service families and even information on the murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. Swindon based company Office Clearance and Wholesale Ltd won the contract to clear the offices and with that they found Rupert Murdoch's old office furniture.

They found a maple executive desk, sideboard, filing cabinet, coffee table and meeting tables. Not only did they find this but among the other pieces of furniture, a pitch fork found in James Murdoch's office (son of Rupert)as well as cantilever chairs with the News of the World logo engraved into them. Even though the office furniture has not yet gone on sale, there has already been interest from buyers across the globe and it is hoping to fetch a high price. Managing director of the clearance firm Paul Smith said "Imagine my excitement at being asked to tender to clear the old offices for News International in Wapping and finding the suite of furniture once owned by the man himself.

What sort of decisions were made at this desk? Companies bought and sold, people exposed for wrongdoing..." The office furniture has been advertised for £20,000 however with all of the interest; the suggestion is that this figure might increase as the furniture makes its way onto eBay. The five pieces together probably cost more than £50,000 new as the desk itself is bespoke with cherry wood veneer with sabre legs, birds eye maple and a black inlay round the top. All in all some very pricey office furniture and it will be interesting to see how much it will go for.

]]>Fri, 9 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/an-ecological-alternative
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/an-ecological-alternative
The state of our planet is in much debate at the moment as with the ozone layer thinning, the amount of Carbon Dioxide in the air is causing the Greenhouse effect that is heating up our planet. It is therefore becoming a necessity that we look for greener options in everything that we do. The office furniture industry is no different as it is a large industry. There are quite a few eco-friendly products on the market at the moment from office chairs and office desks to low stools and office screens, below are some examples.

BuzziSpace products provide acoustically treated furniture that aims to significantly reduce the amount of noise pollution that is created in the office. The products include office freestanding screens, desktop screens, fabric for the walls and even stools and meeting booths. The reason that these products qualify as eco-friendly is that the fabric is made from 100% PET felt. These are plastic bottles and other plastics that have been shredded in order to form a fabric that has acoustic properties.

The Aplos Ecobody chair has a unique design and automatically adjusts the tension to the weight of the user. The correct back tension works instantly and this swivel chair has ergonomic cushioning and that supports you in the best possible way and adds comfort to the user. The reason that this chair is eco-friendly is that firstly, for every chair that is sold, 75p is donated to the charity Climate Care. Not only this, but the chair is also 95% recyclable which means that only 5% will go to landfill if the chair is thrown away.

These are just some of the products that Office Reality Ltd supply that are not only eco-friendly but are aesthetically pleasing as well. For more products like this then please take a look around our website.

]]>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/is-the-recession-spelling-the-end-for-flexible-working
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/is-the-recession-spelling-the-end-for-flexible-working
The recession has not only crippled very well established companies but also has struck fear into the hearts of the consumers. There is also something else that has arguably been affected by the recession and that is flexible working. It seems that in the past few years a study shows that 41% of office workers feel that they are under pressure to be at their office desks in the office due to the worry that if they don't, they might lose their jobs.

Also figures show that 27% of office professionals believe that the time that they spend working in their office chairs and at their office desks within the office has a direct correlation with their performance. Within the business sector, there are two schools of thought on the idea of flexible working. The first is from emerging and developing companies and that is that it is a good idea to incorporate flexible working and utilising home offices to save on space and ultimately money. The other view comes from the more established businesses. These companies have been around for a long time and seem to want to stick to the conventional way of working in the office.

The reason being that working from home is a massive change in culture and not only this but there is a trust issue involved. The managers tend to feel that by not seeing their employees at their office desks or workstations, they have no control over what they ore doing, which in a way you can appreciate. So is this recession having a large impact on flexible working? The answer is if you are working in a large corporate company, yes. The companies want to stick to the conventional ways of working. If you are working in a developing company then no, it is cheaper for people to work at home and the price of renting office space at the moment is high.

]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ferrari-office-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ferrari-office-chair
It is not often that we see car manufacturers delving into the office furniture world; however it is not a totally new thing. We have seen Aston Martin produce their take on executive furniture and looking at it you can see that they have done well. Now it is Ferrari's turn, and by all accounts I think that their ergonomic chair has proved to be a success. This office chair is offers supreme cushioning and comfort, this chair has been inspired by the seats that are in the F430 in Scuderia 16M and has an ergonomic shape and only 499 of these chairs have been made so they are extremely exclusive.

The chairs come in Black alacantara over a carbon fibre shell and the fabric comes in black and red leather. The headrest itself has an embroidered horse logo that is the symbol for Ferrari and is available in red thread and has openings in the headrest for shoulder racing belts. This office chair also has a back tilt that is available with a carbon fibre knob that is located in the left side of the seat. This chair does not come cheap.

To be honest it advised that to only buy if you are a real Ferrari fan as for $25,000 you can buy a half decent car! The reason for the expense is that the seat itself has been pulled from the car itself and as there were only 499 F430's ever made so that goes someway to explain the cars chairs rarity. The chair comes with its own unique metal base and frame with sculpted sports wheels that complete the look.

]]>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/an-untidy-office-can-lead-to-a-loss-in-profits
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/an-untidy-office-can-lead-to-a-loss-in-profits
An article recently published in the Telegraph claims that top executives in a company waste up to 6 weeks a year looking for lost items or paper. Not only this but experts say that untidiness within the office can also seriously reduce a staffs motivation and decrease their productivity.

Not only this, but having a cluttered office that is full of scattered box files and redundant furniture is a real deterrent for potential clients as a good impression for a client coming into the office is key. Research shows that by simply tidying and reorganising your office desk and arranging your office furniture in a more efficient way including reorganising storage, can save office space and raise productivity levels by up to 30%.

Not only this, it can reduce stress levels in an office and save valuable time and money. The National Association of Professional Organisers said conducted a recent study that concluded that a huge 91% of office workers felt they could be more efficient at work if they were better organised. Here are some useful tips in how to make your office more organised, and therefore a more efficient place to work. The first one is simple, try and incorporate a clear desk policy within the office. This can help get employees into a routine of tidying away their work and keeping their office desk tidy. Office furniture manufacturers are really pushing for their office desks, pedestals and office storage such as tambour cupboards to have optimum storage facilities. Another tip is for employers to divide their office into functional zones which are able to maximise the space available. Another problem that NAPO have revealed is that staff get increasingly frustrated with not have any space to keep their personal items such as jackets and lunch boxes etc... Therefore it is advised that you invest in office accessories such as coat stands and pedestals to help staff organise personal belongings.

]]>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sit-whilst-you-stand
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sit-whilst-you-stand
Ergonomics, I don't have to say really, have become the topic of much conversation not only in the office furniture industry but in many other industries. We spend a lot of time sitting down, more than ever before and it won't become a shock if I say that nationally and internationally we are all getting larger on the whole.

The Belize stool is a great way to not only take the weight off your legs but also keep you in a good ergonomic position when not only working but also relaxing as well. There are other stools like this on the market at the moment, these include the Sway Stool and the Muvman Stool, however having tried all three I believe that the Belize comes out on top. The Belize features a large round base that can easily support you if you lean too far, something that I found the Sway Stool lacks as it has a relatively small base.

The Belize also features a round seat that is mounted on a height adjustable single pole that can suit users of all different sizes. The stool is available in a huge range of fabrics, imitation leathers and real leathers that its rival stools do not have, so we are sure that you will find the right material for you. The reason that these type of stools have become popular in recent times is that they not only classed as cafe furniture and bistro furniture, but they can also be classed as office furniture and ergonomic office furniture as they will appeal to both industries. This stool is available for purchase and you can get more information on this stool by calling our sales team or by visiting our sister site Online Reality. Click here to purchase.

]]>Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/samsung-sur40-microsoft-surface-2-0-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/samsung-sur40-microsoft-surface-2-0-desk
Office desks have always been the same for countless decades. The desks, whether they be corner desks or rectangular desks are usually finished in a laminate or veneer wooden desktop. With the advancements in technology and having a multitouch table top computer as a desk was a thing that was only in science fiction films and novels however Samsung have created a table that does just that. The Samsung SUR40 table that was unveiled during the last 2 CES conventions proves to be a product of the future. The table top features a massive 40 inch 1080p LCD screen that features full HD display and is protected by the world's largest piece of Gorilla Glass that provides full protection for the computer that it houses.

The desk runs Microsoft's second generation platform that has been named the surface 2.0 and has PixelSense touch screen technology that will make Apples iPad look like a mere toy in comparison. The SUR40 can be used as a desk that can easily fit an ergonomic office chair underneath or it can be mounted on the wall for use in presentations and boardroom meetings. The wall mountable function is a new feature as the table no longer uses cameras hidden under the table to recognise finger touches. Instead PixelSense allows 50 simultaneous touch points on the surface.

The computer itself is powered by an AMD-based Windows 7 technology that uses a Microsoft Surface 2 platform. The table itself does not come cheap. The price for the desktop only is $8,400 ('£5401) or if you require the stand that will enable it to be used as a desk then that will set you back $9,049 (£5817.65) So not a desk for those looking for economy office furniture.

]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/increase-in-second-hand-furniture-sales
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/increase-in-second-hand-furniture-sales
Doom and gloom seems to be on the menu for most businesses at the moment as even though we are out of the recession, companies are still going into liquidation. Huge household names such as Woolworths, Habitat, etc... have closed down and gone into administration. When you think about this, most people will only see the retail shops close down, however behind every big business there are head offices and offices that also close. You may be wondering then, what happens to all the office furniture when the company shuts down.

The answer is that it all gets cleared by companies such as ORS and they keep anything that they can re-use or sell. ORS are one of the largest removal and second hand office furniture companies in the UK and they are currently over run with second hand furniture collected from companies that have gone bust. To give an example, Barclays recently closed one of their branches in Coventry. The result of this is that ORS removed 450 office desks from the building before even starting on the other office products and office furniture.

To cope with this, ORS have been forced to open another warehouse in the West Midlands, that adds to their already 3 full warehouses. ORS used to only sell about 155 second hand furniture, however now they sell approximately 85% since the recession hit. People just don't have the money to buy new anymore. You can pick up a nearly-new desk that would have sold new for £2,200 for jus t£800. The stuff coming in has barely been used - it's so different from the old tatty furniture full of cobwebs that we once saw." claims sales manager Adrian Kowalski. Adrian admits that this trend will not last forever as he feels that people will switch back to buying new furniture again.

]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/forgetting-to-stand-up
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/forgetting-to-stand-up
Don't let the title fool you, as a working nation; it appears that we do not stand up as often as we should be doing. It is a simple enough activity to partake in our working lives; however recent study has proved that we are not standing up as much as we should be doing. By this I mean that we work to long at our office desks and do not take a break.

It seems that the most common form of communication within the office is email as opposed to simply face-to-face communication and if we carry on like this then it will be bad news for all of us. A recent study that has been carried out at the British Psycological Society Annual Occupational Conference, claims that people spend on average 5 hours and 41 minutes sat at their desk every single working day. During these times, it seems that office workers do not take regular breaks from their office chair to move around and increase the blood flow to their body.

The main problem is that we are an, "ageing" population that appears to be working later into to their lives; however we do not take into account our health when deciding to stay late at the office. The situation is that we do not think about our bodies and health when we decide to either work late or take longer hours. The survey was undertaken with more than 1000 people from a variety of jobs including retail and telecommunications. It seems that sitting at your office desk on your swivel chair for hours a day has a link to your weight, surprise surprise. What we need to do is to come up with a way of reminding people to get up and walk around. Unfortunately the only reminder we have so far is a post-it note on the computer screen. The advice is, from the experts, is to talk to colleagues face to face, rather than email.

]]>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/shall-we-sit-or-shall-we-stand
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/shall-we-sit-or-shall-we-stand
It is now common knowledge that office workers are working longer hours and that this is having a direct impact on our health. There has been a rise in the amount of work related injuries as we choose to stay seated in our office chairs at our office desks while working. The reason for this is that even though you may exercise before and after work, the time that you spend at work is mainly in a sedentary position.

There has been a rise in recent years for the purchasing of height adjustable desks that you can actually stand by and work at. For some however they might find this mad. Retail workers and bank cashiers tend to stand all day whilst at work and this does have negatives effects on the body. Standing all day whilst working can actually lead to problems such as varicose veins and in some very extreme cases, spontaneous miscarriages. With this in mind perhaps the answer is not to get rid of our chairs after all but to make sure that we use them properly.

The main reason for the rise in height adjustable desks, including treadmill desks is that too much sitting can actually lead to higher risk diseases such as cancer and diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases. The reason for this is that when you remain in a sedentary position for a long period of time the the enzyme that is designed to take the fat out of the blood stream drops in production leaving the fat to flow around your body. There is no definite answer to whether we should just stand or just sit at work, but a combination of both. The recommended maximum time that you should spend just sitting at your desk before moving is 30 minutes. This does included getting up and walking around.

]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/working-under-the-sky
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/working-under-the-sky
There aren't that many people who get to work outside anymore, under the clouds. That is because many people opted for working at a computer desk or office desk rather than outside physical graft. There are issues with sitting for too long in an office chair that are becoming apparent in recent years, but ergonomic furniture seems to be saturated with ideas on how to overcome these problems. Fraunhofer researchers have created a prototype virtual sky that has the ability to imitate cloud movements to give the illusion of working outdoors.

The prototype has been made using energy efficient LED lights, simulates the clouds moving across a blue sky and has the ability to change at a slow or rapid pace to imitate how sunlight will change the amount of light that comes from above. The idea of this is that it gives the office workers a pleasant feeling of working outside whilst sitting at their desks and office chairs, without feeling cold or the feeling of being in miserable weather. The prototype that has been created has the ability to light up the ceiling with an intensity of more than 3,000 lumens per square foot (1 square metre) when at full power, which happens to be far greater than the 500-1,000 lumens needed to create a comfortable level of lighting for an office.

The virtual sky has already been tested on volunteers who found that they actually enjoyed working under this form of ceiling. They were tested over the course of three days, the first working under static lighting, the second under slow lighting fluctuations, and the third were rapid lighting fluctuations. After these three days, the volunteers were then allowed to choose which form of lighting they wanted to work under on the fourth day and a remarkable 8 out of 10 chose to work under rapid light fluctuations. The lab where the volunteers were working was created by using 34,560 LED lights that covered an area of approximately 34 square metres. The virtual sky has already received interest from companies who would prefer to use this in conference rooms while sitting at their boardroom table.

]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-tip-ton-chair-simple-yet-effective
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-tip-ton-chair-simple-yet-effective
Huge amounts of money are constantly being invested by furniture companies to try and come up with a chair that has an ergonomic design that not only does the job of making sure the user keeps a good posture, but also is aesthetically pleasing. Other countries around Europe do not seem as interested in the way a chair looks, as long as it performs well, however over here, in some cases, looks are everything.

Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby appear to have combined the two, to produce their latest invention, the Tip Ton chair. On first glances, we see that this chair appears to be like most other plastic chairs around. However when looked at in more detail we can see that this chair has a forward tilting action that has only ever been used on mechanical chairs. This simple design allows the chair to tilt at an angle of 6.5 degrees which keeps the user's spine straight and gives an overall better seated position. Not only this, the chair is designed to increase blood flow around the body which in time will help ailments such as back pain and other work related injuries caused by poor seated positions. The chair's design is incredibly simple. It is made using a single mould with no mechanical parts, which means that there are no joints in the chair which further supports the chairs strength leaving it virtually indestructible.

Not only this, the chair is made from 100% recyclable products giving it an environmentally friendly quality as well. This is the first time that a plastic chair has been made to be ergonomic and it is for this reason that the chair is an affordable solution to back care. The chair is also stackable giving it space saving properties, so there for can be used in schools and other public buildings. This chair is very versatile and can be used as an office chair at an office desk or cafe chair at a cafe table.
It can also be classed as education furniture as it meets with British Standards.

]]>Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/stress-relieving-tips-when-working-in-an-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/stress-relieving-tips-when-working-in-an-office
Office work can be stressful at the best of times. This can be your boss hounding you for work that you haven't completed yet or clients chasing an important quote. It might be that just the monotony of the workplace and even that office screen that blocks your view of the window that's giving you grief, or the fact that you're sitting in an uncomfortable office chair with an office desk that is far too small for you and your work. In any case below are a few tips to try and release stress levels.

1. It may sound quite odd but the sound of running water has been proven to relieve stress. By just listening to it as background music it can evoke peaceful emotions. There are desktop water fountains that you can buy that can be placed on your desk. However this can cause a distraction to others so it may be worth getting permission before buying.

2. Making sure you have a good posture at work can have a huge effect on your stress levels. By buying an ergonomic chair, will help you to alleviate back pain problems and help you to sit correctly at your desk.

3. Some people find that a stress ball really helps to relieve tension. This is an obvious one and unlike the water and aromatherapy tips, this can be allowed in a working environment as it does not distract others.

4. The position and tidiness of your desk can have a huge effect on the way that you work, and how you handle it. By keeping an organised desk, it will help you to find everything easier and a tidy space means a tidy mind

]]>Tue, 3 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cardboard-desks-for-students
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cardboard-desks-for-students
The state of the environment is becoming an ever more important topic of conversation among manufacturing industries including the office furniture industry. Companies and factories are being forced to come up with products that are not only recyclable but also made from recycled materials.

Not only this but the actual manufacturing of the furniture has to have a very small carbon footprint which when you include transport on as well this can be quite a hard task. There are office chairs and office desks out there that are made from recycled materials and are very recyclable however very few manage to hit each target. Two Toronto based university graduates appear to have come up with a solution to this, which is primarily aimed at the student market. They have designed and manufactured what can only be described as a cardboard desk that is made from 95% recycled material and is 100% recyclable.

While at University Geoff Christou, became aware of this problem and wanted to know if he could come up with a selection of cheap office furniture that was environmentally friendly. He also wanted it to be lightweight to cope with students having to constantly move rooms between terms. The answer was cardboard and he set out to try and achieve this goal. The desk itself costs $19.99 and is delivered flat packed through the post or by courier. The desk is easily put together with simple instructions and can be easily removed or thrown away when the desk has out lived it's requirements.

You may be thinking that what happens it this desk gets wet? Well that has already been thought of as this unusual desk has been coated in a water resistant glue that laminates the cardboard to avoid the desk becoming soggy. It appers that since the company began they have sold 100 units online and seem to have interest from other office furniture dealers and distributors. They are currently arranging for the product to be sold in Mexico and Brazil in early 2012.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-laptop-tower-just-as-ergonomic-as-it-is-functional
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-laptop-tower-just-as-ergonomic-as-it-is-functional
All we seem to hear these days in the office furniture industry is ergonomics. It is a very important subject especially as more and more people are getting injured at work due to spending long periods of time working at their office desk and sitting in their office chair. Not only is this problem increasing, but the portable way of working is on the rise as well. There is one product that is trying to combine these two factors and that is the LaptopTower LT. The design of the Laptop tower is unlike any other office desk.

You don't use a chair for this, you simply stand which means that already you are in a more ergonomic posture. Unlike other desks, the tower is compact and takes up very little space so can be used in a range of domestic and commercial applications. The tower comes equipped with a lighted, pull out laptop shelf with mouse pad, four shelves and sockets to accommodate other small electrical items such as printers or projectors.

One of the great benefits to this tower is that it has its own in built cable management system so stray cables will not cause clutter. The tower is powered by a single transparent cable leading to the sockets inside. Not only can this piece of office furniture be used as a workstation, but it can be used to give presentations as well. It's compact so is able to save space in the office or meeting room for other necessary items such as office storage, meeting room tables or even a large boardroom table if one is needed in the room. The tower comes in a range of veneers and paints that are used in contrast to produce an attractive workstation.

]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/want-a-value-for-money-ergonomic-chair-try-an-ergohuman-office-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/want-a-value-for-money-ergonomic-chair-try-an-ergohuman-office-chair
More and more people nowadays are deciding to work at an office desk and spending long periods of time in an office desk. It is no surprise that the numbers of injuries that are related to work such as back pain, neck strain and shoulder problems are on the rise. The answer is, unless you're willing to spend less time working in your office chair or at your desk whether it be a home office desk or at work, is to upgrade and get an ergonomic office chair. There are many ergonomic chairs available to you and they vary in price. You can find yourself spending over £1000 on an ergonomic chair, but if you haven't got that sort of money available, there are other options, one of them being the Ergohuman office chair.

The Ergohuman is a chair that has been specifically designed for those who spend more than 8 hours a day in their office chair working at their desk. It has a high back design that is constructed from mesh and comes with an optional headrest making it a great designer mesh back chair. The Ergohuman has been designed to provide constant support to the lumbar region and other back regions with multidirectional armrests as well. With a synchro mechanism as standard, the Ergohuman chair does not fail on the aesthetics side of things. This chair not only has a great design, fully adjustable and ergonomic, but the has an affordable price tag to boot.

]]>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/designer-education-seating-the-node-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/designer-education-seating-the-node-chair
Steelcase have been a household name within the office furniture industry for decades. They have been producing well designed, bright and efficient office furniture for some time and have become the world's largest manufacturer of office furniture. Their recent collaboration with IDEO has helped them to create their latest product, the Node chair. IDEO are a design company that work with other companies in the commercial and private sectors to help them develop their ideas. Not only this but they also help new businesses realise potential problems and help them to overcome these. It is for this reason that a collaboration with Steelcase was not a surprise.

The Node chair has been designed with students in mind. As far as education furniture and education seating, this product is unique in a number of ways. The chair has a unique look and has a 360 degree rotating seat that helps students to collaborate and work together easier. This also helps any class set up as the chair, due to the rotating function can adapt to any desk configuration. As well as this the chair also has a small tablet that can be used for both left handed or right handed people. The small adjustable table is also big enough for books, notepads and even a laptop depending on the user's preference. Another unique feature about the chair is that it has a storage compartment in the base.

This space is large enough to store bags, books, papers and laptop cases so clutter around the classroom is kept to a minimum. Mounted on 5 castors for easiy mobility around the room, this chair has a plastic seat making it durable and tamperproof so even young children can use it. This chair also comes in a range of vibrant colours which is designed to suit any classrooms decor.

]]>Thu, 8 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/give-your-office-a-modern-feel
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/give-your-office-a-modern-feel
In this day and age in order to run a successful office, you need to do more to help boost the morale of your staff. What I mean by this is that you need to make your office into a workplace as opposed to just an office for working in. Employers need to provide their staff with a comfortable, inspired and pleasant place to work in order to get the most out of their staff whether they work on a computer or have an office desk full of papers to contend with. In order to create an environment that can provide all of these attributes, it is more often than not that you need to create an office with a more contemporary feel.

There are ways of doing this, if you are in need of a "modern boost", without having to spend a vast amount of money on the decor and that is by upgrading your current office furniture with modern office furniture or even some designer office furniture. This is guaranteed to brighten up the workplace without having the nightmare of getting the builders in. Nowadays all you have to do is to look on the internet and you can view large ranges of office furniture, from executive leather chairs to conference seating, from boardroom tables to glass desks, it is all there at the click of a button.

This is not to say that those who require some expert help can't get it. Some office furniture dealers offer a service that aims to help you with the whole procedure, including design and space planning for a small fee. Office Reality are one of those dealers however they offer expert services free of charge. Not only this, but they also offer an unrivalled choice of designer office furniture at affordable prices. With thousands of products to choose from, all quality assured, we believe you will not fail to find something that will suit your needs.

]]>Tue, 6 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-the-coffee-table-1
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-the-coffee-table-1
When you think about it, a coffee table can be and is used in almost all of life. OK maybe that is is a little over exaggeration, but what I mean by this is that whether you are sitting in a coffee shop, waiting in a reception or waiting room, or even sitting in your front room, there is probably a coffee table somewhere in sight. Used for purely for convenience, they are not a necessity but still, why do people sometimes spend a small fortune on them?

The main answer to this is that they can add subtle character to the room. Coffee tables aren't like home office desks, office desks, cafe tables etc... they can come in all shapes and sizes from basic tables to the more ellaborate and there are some extraordinary designs that can be thought provoking or just aesthetically pleasing.

The reason that office desks and dining tables differ is that you use them in a different way to a coffee table. You use a desk to work on, you use a dining table or cafe table to eat on, but with a coffee table you just put things on so therefore are not using it intensely which is why the design can take a more interesting shape. Below are some examples of coffee tables. Designed by Kino Guerin, this table has taken its design from the sled and has been aptly named The Small Toboggan Table.

Made entirely from wood, this table features Blood Wood and Amazaque veneers over laminated birch plywood to give the overall effect a stunning look. This second table has been inspired by the atrocities that occurred from 2004 in the Abu Gharib prison. Designed by Mr Toledano, this coffee table has been made to shock an provoke your thoughts on the subject of the abuse that occurred in the prison.

A Isamu Noguchi designed coffee table that is simple in structure yet has a beautiful overall look. Topped in glass, this design has been replicated and looks great in all different commercial and domestic areas.

]]>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-about-office-screens
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/what-about-office-screens
When planning the layout for a new office or perhaps even refurbishing an old office, the last thing that people seem to think about are the office screens. Today offices tend to lean towards having an open plan office, where as some people feel that this is not the best solution for a productive office. In order to keep your staff productive and efficient, one of the most important things to do is to make sure that your staff are happy, so having said this, it is worth thinking about how you are going to separate your office and how you are going to make the best use of your office screens.

Desktop screens are a great way to divide your desks. They are low enough, that people can communicate if they wish or need to, but high enough that people's privacy is maintained. As well as this you can use free standing screens to separate the office into sections. The reason for this is that you can place employees together to help them work as a team if they need to and also separate areas so there are fewer distractions. You need to think about where your business is going to be in the next 5 years. Like most people, you are going to want your business to grow and change.

Thinking about the type of office screen is important as you are, the same with office desks and workstations, likely to want to move them round to create different configurations. By buying freestanding screens instead of built in partitions, the cost of changing the office is reduced considerably. Even though there is usually no acoustic treatment in office screens, they can still reduce noise in an office. Noise is one of the most distracting things in an office and can also lead to stress among some employees, which is worth thinking about. So to conclude next time you start planning your office, take the time to consider office screens and partitioning.

]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ford-looks-to-office-chairs-for-inspiration
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ford-looks-to-office-chairs-for-inspiration
Time and time again I talk about ergonomics in these blogs and for good reason. The problem of back pain and chair related injuries is on the rise, but it may not be just the office world that needs to wake up and take note. The average driver in America apparently spends 101 minutes driving a daily, with 50% of those claiming that they suffer from back pain.

These startling figures have made Ford wake up and start thinking about how they can do their part in the fight for ergonomics and in particular ergonomic chairs. By basing the new design for their seats in the Ford Escape, on ergonomic office chairs, the team think that this is a positive step forward in the automotive industry.

"The office chair industry is one of the major industries we're looking at in terms of construction, materials and durability," spoke seat comfort engineer Mike Kolich. "If you look at the advancements in office chairs from the 1960s -- when luxury meant big, puffy cushions -- to where they are now, with thin, ergonomic chairs that still feel luxurious, it's definitely a major change in the way seats are designed." Having said this, Ford hasn't used the typical U shape that we most commonly use in office chairs, but have made the back support into a V shape. The reason for this is that Ford claim that this shape will help support a larger number of body sizes and with Ford's new feature of "DNA seat" is tailored to conform to customers in multiple markets.

Mike Kolich also explained that it was once thought that Europeans preferred the ergonomics over comfort and the Americans preferred comfort. However recent research has discovered that actually the both groups of people are looking for the same characteristics and that is the reason for the new seat that claims that it is 10% lighter than its predecessor in the older Ford Escape models.

]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/hot-topic-space-planning
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/hot-topic-space-planning
It is now surprise that this year the word on the street (the office furniture street) is space planning. Well maybe not just the office furniture world, but a lot of companies are looking in depth into space planning according to an Ethosource press release. The reason is obvious, that in this financial climate it's time to start saving money and make the most of the space that they have. It used to be that office space was driven by authority, with the higher powers having more space, the biggest executive desk and black leather chair, with executive storage to match, but now it's all set to change with efficiency being the keyword, not authority.

Another reason for this change is that more and more people are finding that working from home in their home office is more beneficial, than working at a workstation in the office. They can save money on travel and can have the comfort of their own home. It is for this reason that careful planning must take place as the workstations that these "home-workers" may have had originally cannot just be taken away, as they may still need to return to the office from time to time. Collaborating is essential to the modern office with more and more people not just needing to talk to each other, but to share screens and in some cases even desks from time to time. Modern office furniture has to change with this.

More and more people are making use of bench systems, open plan offices and call centre configurations in their work place because they promote this. It is for the reasons labelled above, that office design has become essential and more popular in the recent years. In order to maximise the space available office furniture dealers are required, more than ever, to create design plans that accommodate these needs. Office Reality and Online Reality are able to provide all of these services for free, so if you are looking to maximise space in your office and replace your large desks with aesthetically pleasing bench systems, then look no further.

]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-reasons-why-we-will-always-need-physical-office-storage
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-reasons-why-we-will-always-need-physical-office-storage
It appears that everything in this world is turning digital. Even those with the largest CD or vinyl collections can scale it down into one little handheld device that you can access each individual song in less than a minute, perhaps even less than 10 seconds. Not only this, but the size of the space we can use ever increasing. I can remember only a few years ago whilst shopping for an MP3 player I found one that had 8GB of space for £139.99. I then looked across and the same brand of MP3 player had 80GB for £179.99. That is ten times the space for on £40.00, proving that digital space is not that expensive and the amount of information we can keep in one tiny space is incredible. This then got me thinking about how long it will be until we no longer used paper or if we will ever get to that stage. The demand for office storage has decreased in the last decade, mainly due to the invention and integration of online cloud storage.

The idea of this is that you pay monthly to store you files or documents on the internet. On the face of it, it sounds like a great suggestion; however it does have its flaws and the first being the fact that you have to be connected to the internet to access your data. I understand that in this day and age you will be hard pushed to find an area where you cant access the internet, but as we all know computers, the internet and in fact quite a few computer driven electronics have a tendency to crash every once in a while. Not only this, but you not in complete control of your information.

What I mean by this is that there is another party involved in securing the safety of your files and it would not be the first time that people's online storage has "gone missing". Another form of digital storage for your office is an external hard drive. The advantage of this is that firstly for the space it uses up compared to the amount that it can hold means that it is hugely efficient in that respect. Another advantage of this is that, unlike cloud storage, you are in complete control and are the sole keeper of that information. That is unless you entrust someone else with it. Obviously there are disadvantages to this. The first one being that if there did happen to be a fire or a particular emergency that caused damage to the environment where the hard drive or other storage device had been placed and consequently destroyed it, you would lose every piece of information as everything would be stored on there.

The second disadvantage is that hard drives have been known to (for seemingly unknown reasons) wipe themselves, clearing themselves of part or even all the information contained on it. Looking at the above, we can now move onto physical storage, for example wall storage, filing cabinets, credenzas, tambour cupboards etc... We all know that they take up space but in the event of an emergency it is more likely that only part of the information contained in these office storage units will be affected. Having said all of this, it is actually advised that we make use of all three of these storage options. It has been suggested that in order to truly secure your information it should be kept in at least 3 different places. The storage should also be kept at least 60m away from each other.

Cloud storage is easy to make sure that it is at a safe distance as it can be accessed from anywhere.Hard drives are very portable so by keeping it out of the office will ensure (as long as you have physical copies of the information) that your data is secure. It has been a common misconception that digital storage will actually kill off the need for filing cabinets, low cupboards, bookcases etc... in the office and we will live in a paperless world. This is not the case however that instead of becoming the enemy of paper and the humble filing cabinet, it is actually here to support it and keep the information that is so precious to us more secure than it has ever been.

]]>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/go-with-the-flo-
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/go-with-the-flo-
There is never any call for traditional style office furniture any more. I am not saying that there is no longer a demand for it; I'm just saying that if you look in commercial offices these days, you are likely to find more modern office desking and more contemporary operator chairs or executive furniture.

This is even the case in boardrooms, even though the idea of a boardroom is an old one, the boardroom tables that are around today tend to be modern and sleek. It is not the look and feel of the furniture that has changed, but our shift towards ergonomic chairs and desks due to the increase rate of work related injuries. With this in mind, let me introduce a product that is both modern and ergonomic as well as being needed in the office. The product I am talking about is Flo. Computer arms are often overlooked as all monitors are provided with a stand; however these stands are by no means ergonomic. The problem is that the monitor cannot be set at the right height for the user and are not height adjustable, so cannot be set for users at different heights.

This is why monitor arms are so important, as they can be set at different heights and tilts depending on the user, which over time can prevent such problems as straining of the neck. The Flo computer arm is unique in this way as not only can it provide an ergonomic solution for monitors, but it has the unrivalled capability to provide an ergonomic solution for tablet and touch screen technology. Unlike other monitor arms, the Flo is easy to adjust using it's unique Geometric Spring System (GSS). Another feature that is exclusive to the Flo is the installation performance meter. This handy little gauge records the weight setting after adjustment so that the exact weight tension can be replicated on all of the other arms for a quicker, better and more effective installation. Below are some images of the Flo monitor arm:

]]>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/designer-cardboard-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/designer-cardboard-furniture
When you think of office furniture, I am sure you'll agree that one of the last materials you would think of to construct it from. There is a company however that has taken cardboard from its humble beginnings 150 years ago, when it was used for packaging and protection to its now ever increasing popularity in the world of furniture. The company in question is Cardboard Future and not only have they made this concept a reality, but they actually have ranges.

Not only do the ranges contain office furniture, but they actually claim to be designer office furniture. This type of furniture is not only suitable for office and professional environments, but also for the domestic market as well. The furniture itself is made completely from corrugated cardboard that is reinforced as well as being incredibly light and very durable at a low price. The range of furniture started with a simple paperweight desk and due to the popularity, the range was formed with the company investing time and money into creating such products as office storage, pedestals bookshelves, beds in various shapes and sizes.

Cardboard Future uses a special form of cardboard as basic reinforced cardboard just simply wouldn't work and that is not even taking into account the European standards for sustainability and strength. The cardboard used to make this sort of furniture is strong fibres from 74% recycled paperboard that makes the cardboard Grade A. The rest of the cardboard is taken from virgin wood fibres that have been certified by the UK and Europe as being a sustainable raw material. This means that the cardboard used is very eco-friendly. After construction, the board is then die-cut (a process that shears the board using dies) using the factory's innovative equipment and then varnished with water based glues. This last process is to provide even more strength to the cardboard. Once this has been done, the board is then cut into shape, slotted together and ready to use for its intended purpose.

]]>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/save-the-treasury-15-billion-a-year-and-work-at-home
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/save-the-treasury-15-billion-a-year-and-work-at-home
Yes you are reading the title correctly; it does say £15 billion. This was a report released a few days ago by Eric Pickles the Local Government Secretary. The reason for this is that by increasing the number of public sector working from home would reduce the amount spent on office space, cut sickness levels as well as potentially increasing productivity by around 15% according to the study. Working from home has become more and more favourable in recent years.

This is mainly due to the increase in the availability of broadband and smartphones making it easier to access emails and other important digital information that is vital for those who work in the office. As it stands at the moment, more than a quarter of the current workforce occasionally work from home with only 2.9% deciding to work from home full time. According to the report produced by Leaner and Greener, only a 5% increase in the amount of public sector workers opting to work from home would reach the savings projected in the study. It shouldn't be too hard to persuade people to work from home, would you prefer to work at an office desk sitting on a regular operator chair crouched behind a screen in a busy office or be able to have the freedom and comfort of working in your own home? I know which one I would choose!

As well as working from home Mr Pickles suggested that perhaps it's time that public services should share accommodation. This would save space and by designing a more space efficient area save money in the long run. The suggestion of working from home would also help to increase morale among staff. Having the freedom to personalise your home office, pick out your desired workstation, be able to choose your office or executive chair, and not have to think about all the people behind the screens could in turn help increase staff productivity and help to also save money.

]]>Wed, 9 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/studies-show-physiotherapy-can-reduce-amount-of-time-people-are-off-sick
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/studies-show-physiotherapy-can-reduce-amount-of-time-people-are-off-sick
It is common knowledge that the amount of musculoskeletal disorders are on the increase and that this is a direct correlation to the increasing amount of time that we spend working in the office sitting on our office chairs. It is no surprise then that more and more chair manufacturers are spending more time and effort into trying to find the most effective ergonomic solution, by that I mean office chairs and desks to these ever increasing problems. It is not to say that these efforts are wasted, in fact quite the opposite, however for those that do suffer from an MSD; physiotherapy might be another option to ease your pain.

Two government departments in Northern Ireland have provided early access to physiotherapy for staff with MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders). The results were quite positive with 80% of those treated said that the treatment had prevented them from going absent with over 80% indicating that there absence had been shortened. Based on the latest statistics released from the Health and Safety Executive 227,000 people have an MSD of the back, 215,000 of the upper limbs or neck and 96,000 of the lower limbs. These figures are staggering with the number one cause of long term absence at work being lower back pain amongst manual workers with 30% of primary care consultations with GPs being caused by MSDs.

To put this in monetary terms, West Suffolk hospital trust in Bury St Edmunds was commended in the Boorman report for having achieved savings of £170,000 through referring patients to physiotherapy. This not only saved money but also caused a 40% reduction in lost days through sickness absences. In 2008/09 an estimated 538,000 people in Britain who worked in the last year, believed that they were suffering from an MSD that was made worse by work. This meant that an estimated 9.3 million working days were lost to MSD in Great Britain in 2008/09. This trend will only ever increase if we carry on the way that we are. Perhaps it is time that we introduce physiotherapy into the workplace to help prevent an augmentation in this number and perhaps see if we can reduce it.

]]>Tue, 8 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/home-offices-shift-in-design
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/home-offices-shift-in-design
Home offices are being increasingly used as a place of work instead of going into an office, however nowadays it seems that there is a shift in the way these home offices are designed. Instead of worrying about whether the desk is going to match the rest of the furniture, we are more concerned with the cable management and whether we use a laptop or desktop PC.

The reason for this is simply the increase in technology we now use in our day to day lives. Instead of designers thinking about the look of the desk, they tend to think about whether space is needed for a printer and where to drill the holes for the cable ports. Even more interesting is that more and more people are trying to fit home office furniture in places that are not primarily used as an office. For example, in kitchens, lounges and spare bedrooms are some places that you might now expect to find office furniture. This means that the requirements for the desks are to be smaller than usual, with places to store papers and files. Practicality is the most important issue now; it used to be that you would buy a high quality wooden desk, high back leather executive chair and a pedestal or small cupboard to keep files.

That used to be when the more wealthy people would have an office in their home, however now it is safe to say that there is probably a computer in nearly every house in the country and with prices for all in one home office desks the lowest it's ever been, it is no wonder that everyone seems to want an office. Having said all of this, it is unfair to suggest that people don't care what the furniture looks like, as there are people that do care about their workstations aesthetics, it just seems that it's not as high as it used to be.

]]>Mon, 7 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/saving-space-and-money-for-your-company
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/saving-space-and-money-for-your-company
There are many ways to save money for your business from finding a cheaper ISP and phone service to buying recycled ink cartridges. However within the realms of office furniture there are ways that you can a lot save money by just reconfiguring your office. Listed are three ways in which you can do so.

Firstly think about the rooms you are using and if you are getting the most out of them. A typical example of this is a boardroom. If you are just using the room to have meetings around a large modular table why not think about replacing the large table with smaller meeting room tables?

With meeting room tables you can arrange them in different combinations and to suit the purpose of the room. You can arrange the tables in a U shape for presentations however for board meetings you can push the tables together to create a large table. You can have meeting tables on castors for easy mobility and also they are available in various folding options for easy and efficient storage without compromising the table's aesthetics. Unfortunately in many instances you will have to spend money in the short term in order to save money in the long term.

Making your office open plan is a great way to save on space. Why not try to incorporate bench systems instead of singular desking. Bench systems are becoming more and more popular, look modern and save much needed space. Why not plan to buy new office furniture? I know this might sound absolutely absurd, as office desks and office chairs are hardly the cheapest of objects, but if you invest in quality furniture, it will last longer, boost morale among staff and also give a great professional first impression to potential clients.

]]>Sat, 5 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/some-exercise-tips-to-help-prevent-injuries-whilst-at-work
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/some-exercise-tips-to-help-prevent-injuries-whilst-at-work
Ergonomics gets mentioned all the time when talking about office work, in particular office furniture. Vast amounts of money have been invested in trying to find the solution to the problem of work related injuries due to long hours in front of a computer. We have large amounts of ergonomic chairs, ergonomic desks, height adjustable desks etc... available on the market today, but the truth is we probably will never be able to find a solution that will suit everyone in the world's needs.

There are things we can do ourselves however that will help to prevent these injuries from occurring. Below are some stretches that can be done in the comfort of your own office chair. Place your hands behind your head. Bend your head forward slightly, breathe in deeply and slowly stretch out the upper part of your neck. Whilst doing this, make sure that you keep the back and shoulder regions as upright as possible. Hold this position for five slow breaths. Using your right hand place it above your left ear. Pull your head to the right so you can feel the side of your neck stretch and hold for approximately 3 breaths. Once you have done this, repeat this on the opposite side.

For this exercise you will need to stand by a wall. Stand sideways to the wall and place your left hand on the wall. Making sure that your arm is straight, stretch your right arm over your head and to the left. Hold this position for four deep breaths and repeat this movement on the other side. This position stretches the side of the spine and its muscles.

Whilst seated in your chair place your hands behind the back of the chair and arch your back over the chair whilst pushing out your chest and lifting your hands. This stretches the chest and its muscles.

Whilst standing, extend your left arm and point your hand down. Place your right hand over the back of the left and stretch your forearm. Hold for five deep breaths and repeat for the other side

Place your palms together and point your fingers up. Place your hands, with your palms and fingers fully touching, in the centre of your chest and raise your elbows and hold for five deep breaths whilst stretching the muscles in front of the wrist and arm.

Hold hands in front of you and stretch your fingers out wide and stretch the palms. Hold this for four breaths whilst stretching the palms and fingers.

For this chair you will need to be seated. Try to find a non-swivel chair, for example a conference chair or even a cafe chair. Cross your right thigh over your left and twist the upper part of your body so you're stretching the lumbar region of your back.

All pictures were taken from www.ergoergo.info

]]>Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-new-way-of-thinking-about-ergonomic-chairs-axia-air
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/a-new-way-of-thinking-about-ergonomic-chairs-axia-air
The word ergonomic gets mentioned all the time within the office furniture industry, especially when it comes to chairs. With the ever increasing number of people choosing to work in the office, the number of work related injuries is increasing. By this I mean injuries that are sustained due to posture and sitting on a chair for 8 or more hours a day.

This is why ergonomic chairs are becoming ever more popular and one thing in which they all have in common is a lumbar support. A lumbar support is designed to be positioned at the lower part of the back to give the body an S shape curve. There is a new chair on the market that is attempting to challenge the lumbar and that is the Axia Air chair. The Axia Air, manufactured by BMA Nomique, uses an adjustable pelvic support which supports the pelvic region of your back at the base of the spine. The reason for this is that when the support is placed against the pelvis, your body naturally keeps a good posture.

The design of the back means that your body is almost always in constant contact with the back of the chair whether you are sitting forward or back. As well as this when the chair is in the recline position, the arms stay exactly where they are compared to when the back is straight, which is unlike other rival chairs. The reason for this is that the armrests are supposed to be extensions of the desk and keep your arms in the correct position.

Aesthetics are not compromised with this chair and the overall appearance of this chair is fantastic. This chair is fully adjustable as standard, however there is one feature that is unusual when it comes to office or swivel chairs, and that is that it has been designed for disassembly. The seats are interchangeable, which is great for maintenance, however if you have a particular back problem then you can change the seat within a matter of seconds for a seat pad that has a shape specific to your need. On final thing to note about this chair is that it is guaranteed for 10 years and is 97% recyclable and manufactured from 59% recycled material, so not only is this chair unique in function, it is also environmentally friendly as well.

]]>Thu, 3 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/hot-deals-on-our-clearance-line
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/hot-deals-on-our-clearance-line
We have some great offers on the clearance line of Office Reality The SB505 desk chair has been a great favourite and is available for immediate delivery in blue, black wine or green fabric. This office chair includes a heavy duty gas lift rated to 25 stone and a contoured back for enhanced lumbar support. All this for only £36.00. The Triumph mesh back chair features a double skinned mesh back for extra comfort and improved air circulation.

This stylish mesh task chair is currently on offer for only £49.00. The Endeavour executive office chair is offered in black or cream leather. This genuine leather executive chair has a unique folding mechanism allowing the chair to be folded flat and stowed under the desk. Ideal for executives who are only occasionally in the office. Due to a recently cancelled order we are holding a number of desk screens in our ware house.

They are 280mm high and in Cara Charn and are on offer at half price. This price includes the C clamps to connect the desk screens to the end of the desk. Remember all items on our clearance line include a UK wide free delivery service to the ground floor of your office. Please call back to our clearance line as we are adding to it on a daily basis

]]>Mon, 16 May 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-reception-the-first-impression
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-reception-the-first-impression
Whether you are an internet company, medical centre or hotel, the first thing that your visitors see as they walk through the door is your reception area. As the name suggests, this area should be inviting, warm and create an ambience so that the person in question will feel comfortable in waiting. As well as this, this space is the first impression that your potential clients will get of your organization.

There is a huge range of furniture styles that can be used to create a welcoming environment for your reception. This can range from tub chairs to unit sofas, from leather sofas to coffee tables. The key is to find which style of seating is best for you. For example, if your reception area consists of a waiting room, it might be best to look at some unit sofas. These are modular sofas that fit side be side and can be placed along the walls as well as creating a bank in the middle of the room where they can be placed back to back.

This can optimize the space in your room as well as giving the visitor a comfortable place to sit. On the other hand if you have a business that does not require your guests to spend to much time in the reception area, you may want to look at the sofa and tub chair options. Leather options are the most popular, but you don't have to just think of black and white, there is a huge range of colours to choose from. By getting the style right, it can provide an elegant area for visitors to relax. So in essence what better way to show how valuable your customers are by giving them the finest quality reception chairs for them to enjoy.

]]>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/21st-century-office-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/21st-century-office-desks
To look at you wouldn't have really thought that there have been many changes made to the style and function of office desks in the turn of the century, but you would be wrong. With the increase of computer usage, the modern day desk has had to accommodate for this.

Even though, the basic structure of the office desk has not really changed, there have been some subtle changes. With the increase popularity of computers and electronic devices, there has been an increase of wires that surround the desk. Cable management has become a big business; from holes within the desktop also know as "grommets" to power points, sometimes elaborate in design, being attached to the desk or in some cases built in to the structure of the desk. This is most common within call centres where high numbers of people and computers are present. Ergonomics has grown in importance as there are now more offices and workstations that have ever been.

People are spending more and more time at there desks so in the interest of health and safety, desks are now centred on ergonomic design. Desks should allow enough space for equipment and computers as well as being adjustable for the user's needs. As well as this chairs are also viewed in the same way as more and more businesses are opting for ergonomic chairs as well as desks to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort for their employers. It is now not uncommon to see curve or wave shaped desks.

This can add a modern look and feel to the office as well as creating space around the user. Storage has also changed in recent years as the popularity of mobile pedestals has increased as opposed to fixed pedestals. This is for a number of reasons. For example, they can be moved depending on whether the person is left or right handed, it can be easily moved from under the desk if the space is required and can be easily transferred if the user is required to change desks as can often happen within larger organisations due to team changing. In terms of materials, the same laminate finishes are still used, however matte, gloss and frosted glass finishes are becoming more popular as they are deemed to give the environment a more "modern" feel.

It is now not uncommon to see curve or wave shaped desks. This can add a modern look and feel to the office as well as creating space around the user. Storage has also changed in recent years as the popularity of mobile pedestals has increased as opposed to fixed pedestals. This is for a number of reasons. For example, they can be moved depending on whether the person is left or right handed, it can be easily moved from under the desk if the space is required and can be easily transferred if the user is required to change desks as can often happen within larger organisations due to team changing. In terms of materials, the same laminate finishes are still used, however matte, gloss and frosted glass finishes are becoming more popular as they are deemed to give the environment a more "modern" feel.

]]>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/choosing-your-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/choosing-your-office-furniture
Office furniture happens to be of great importance when designing your working environment. Not only can it create an environment that employees will want to work in, it can create a professional and modern look, that can have an effect on potential clients, even before you have begun a meeting. It is for this reason that it is imperative that you make the right decision when choosing your furniture, from office storage to executive desks. When entering the business world, it is important to think about what path you are going to take. You need to think about the location of your office as well as the furniture you put in it. For example if you are an organisation that requires large numbers of employees, the space and efficiency of your layout are of upmost importance.

On the other hand, if you are a small organisation, you need to think about, above all else, how best to create a relaxed and cosy environment to work in. The first step in both cases is to find out about suppliers that offer the best quality (as well as affordability) of office furniture. One of the greatest resources available to you is the internet. Having said this it is important that you find out what your specific requirements are. For example how many office desks am I going to need? How much storage am I going to need? Will everyone need a pedestal with their desk? Secondly it is important for the smooth running and efficiency of your company to consider the needs of your employees. For example, storage facilities and even the layout out of your office as this along with the interior design, will create the optimum working environment.

Office furniture has never been so easy to purchase with websites offering huge amounts of furniture that can suit any requirement. The advantage of this is that within a few clicks you are able to compare prices and save time when purchasing. It is also worth noting that some websites (such as Office Reality) offer free design services that can help you make the most of the space you have and can speak to someone who can offer professional advice as to what type/style of furniture will work best for you, ensuring that you don't make the wrong decision when purchasing

]]>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-home-office-a-new-way-of-working
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-home-office-a-new-way-of-working
In this day and age, it seems that more and more people are opting to stay at home and work as opposed to working in the office. With this being the case, it is not uncommon for people to spend more time in their home office instead of the usual amount of time that they would spend at their work office. The trend for companies to focus on ergonomic conditions for their employees is on the increase, as this has been proven to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace as well as ensuring good health among staff. This being the case, these conditions should be replicated within a home office to ensure that employees remain comfortable and productive.

These simple ergonomic changes should help any home office to be a more comfortable and pleasurable place to work. The following information has been quoted from Giuli Krug, a professor with the Department of Occupational Therapy at the School of Health Professions. As you can imagine the first and obvious point is to ensure that the environment that you work in is tidy and aesthetically pleasing. This can mean posters of some of your favourite films or pictures of your loved ones. The idea behind this is that you create an environment that you enjoy being in. Secondly and just as important is to make sure that your workplace is well lit. Natural light is preferable, however not essential. To avoid a glare from your computer screen which can strain your eyes, make sure that the monitor is not directly under any light. This includes desk lamps that should be placed to the side of your desk. Another important factor that should be considered when working in your home office is the temperature.

When an environment is to cold, the muscles in our body become tense and vice versa, so it is important to keep your workspace away from any air conditioning vents that might expose your body to bursts of cold air. With regards to office furniture, It is of upmost importance to have the right chair, preferably one that has an ergonomic design. Ergonomically designed chairs will come with a lumbar support, with the majority being adjustable to fit the contours of your back to ensure that you maintain a good posture. As well as this, it is important that there is between 2 and 4 inches of space between the back of your knees and the front of the seat, so make sure that the chair has independent seat tilt and seat slide function to create the optimum position for your body. When sitting down, the bottom of your back should be adjacent to the back of your chair and with as much contact between the two as possible.

Your feet should also be placed flat on the floor to alleviate pressure on the back of your legs. A seat that has a rounded edge can help wit this. It may not seem important but as well as the position of your body on the chair, it is preferable to have a five star base as this distributes your body weight evenly. To include arms on the chair is purely a matter of preference, but if you do prefer them, it is advised that they should be padded and height adjustable so that your arms rest on them. This is because if they are to high, your shoulders will hunch together, ruining your posture. As well as the positioning of your chair, the positioning of you in relation to your desk is of significance.

The top of your monitor should be at eye level and make sure that the objects you use most are within arms reach. If you use a laptop, it can be beneficial for you to purchase a laptop stand to ensure that the keyboard is slightly elevated to reduce strain on your wrists. Finally it is important that you make sure that there is enough room for your chair to swivel, so when reaching into your pedestal drawer or cupboard you do not have to twist your body.

]]>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/contessa-executive-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/contessa-executive-office-furniture
of cost effective executive furniture is manufactured in real wood cherry veneer wit a traditional side panel leg design. This range of executive office furniture includes a distinguished 1800mm bow fronted desk with an ergonomically profiled bull nose edge detail. Further elements to this range include an executive desk return at a lower height and a matching under desk drawer unit. Further executive storage options include a double door cupboard offered in two height options and a tall combination cupboard with glass doors.

The 2.2m boat shaped table is ideal for use as a boardroom or general use table. Manufactured to stock in the UK, Contessa executive office furniture is delivered on a 7-10 day lead time. This office furniture is flat packed for self assembly pr can be installed by utilising our nationwide office furniture installation service. Please contact our sales team for further information on Contessa executive office furniture

]]>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/barcelone-executive-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/barcelone-executive-office-furniture
Our new range of executive office furniture, Barcelone represents fantastic value for money and is available on an express delivery period of 5-7 days. Manufactured in either cherry or walnut, the 25mm thick desk tops are protected by a matching edge in ANS.

The leg panels are 22mm "Structurex" with an addition decorative panel placed over it, giving a total thickness of 38mm helping enhance the executive looks of this office furniture. The side panels have leg adjusters to help with the effect of uneven floors. The modesty panels of these desks are structural and in matching 16mm thick board. The 1800mm bow fronted executive desk in complemented by two rectangular desk options, under desk and desk height pedestal drawers. A range of cupboards and bookcases are also offered with this range of executive office furniture.

Barcelone executive furniture is suitable for commercial and home office applications and is supported by a five year factory warranty. Barcelone executive office furniture complies with European standards for the manufacture of office furniture. This executive furniture is delivered flat packed or can be installed via our national office furniture assembly service.

]]>Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/draughtmans-chairs-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/draughtmans-chairs-at-office-reality
has a back that folds down flat to the sweat for easy and convenient storage. This draughtsman's chair is available in a number of fabrics and vinyl's. Made to order the Daisy draughtsman's chair is on a lead time of three weeks from order. The Warsaw draughtsman's chair is available at a vey economical price in blue or charcoal on a next day delivery cycle for your more requirements Please contact us for further information on office draughtsman's chairs.]]>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/kontrax-metal-tambour-cabinets
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/kontrax-metal-tambour-cabinets
are now available in 24 exciting and vibrant colour combinations. The shutter is available inj the light grey colour only. Kontrax tambour cupboards are offered in five height options, up to 2000mm high. The tambour cabinets are supplied assembled and ready for use to a ground floor entrance at the prices quoted on our web site.

The shutters can be locked and two keys are issued. We have priced the tambour cabinets empty with optional storage components shown priced individually. The storage components include slotted metal shelves which van used to support vertical dividers to hold up lever arch files and ring binders. There is also a pull out reference shelf available which is a handy item to include in the taller tambour cupboards at around one metre high it can then be used to help with filing or when quickly referring to documents and records.

Kontrax tambour cupboards are manufactured in the UK and form part of the Kontrax range which includes metal filing cabinets and stationery cupboards. The guarantee for Kontrax tambour cupboards is five years from delivery. Please contact our sales office with your tambour cabinet requirement

]]>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-call-centre-desks-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-call-centre-desks-at-office-reality
This configuration shows bookcase unit supporting the angled "Piano desks" The other side of the desk is supported by an open storage cupboard which becomes a useful and convenient CPU holder.

This compact office furniture layout allows the possibility of bringing personal storage close to the desk such as lever arch files, which can be accessed from either side, which of particular use when the sharing of files and documents is required. The three elements that make up the configuration, the desk, bookcase and storage cupboard can be specified in matching or contracting finishes from a selection comprising Taki maple, Brilliant white, Ash white or Walnut.

Cable management can be provided via an under desk cable basket or tray and a cable outlet in on the surface of the desk or the cupboard. There are a number of other storage options associated with this range the structure of the cupboards and bookcases is only offered in brilliant white or anthracite. Logik is a comprehensive range of office desks, bookcases and storage cupboards that are integrated to each other allowing a number of space efficient desk configurations to be created. The normal lead time for these products is 3-4 weeks from order and they are delivered flat packed to the ground floor. We also provide a full and professional office furniture installation service in support of this and our other call centre desk ranges. Please contact us for a quotation.

]]>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-leather-executive-office-chairs-on-clearance
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-leather-executive-office-chairs-on-clearance
range of leather executive chairs comprises a high back, medium back and visitors chair. This chair has black leather facings with the rear of the chair upholstered in a matching vinyl. This leather office chair features designer loop arms with black padded armrests and a chrome base with double wheeled castors.

The Supremo chair have tilt action and tilt tension chairs. These office chairs are held in stock in the UK on a lead time of 2-3 days from order. Further executive office chair can be found within our executive office seating section where we are currently showcasing 108 individual office chairs with leather and fabric options. Please contact use with your executive office chair requirement

]]>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cheap-reception-counters-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cheap-reception-counters-from-office-reality
This traditional style reception desk is priced in modules that include the desk and reception counter as a single item. The rectangular reception desks modules range in size from 800mm in length to 1800mm in length. Finish options are Beech, Light grey and Walnut. The 90 degree section is always manufactured with a metal front panel in a silver finish. Desk tops for the Kompass desks are 30mm. 5 mm thicker then the usual thickness available on most desks.

Kompass reception desks are delivered flat packed for easy assembly or for an extra charged can be installed by one of our national professional installation teams. ,Another popular choice on our budget reception desk line is PB reception desk which we offer in beech, walnut or oak. This reception desk comprises a 160mm desk section with counter top, 800mm long desk high section to assist wheelchair access and a 90 degree modulate with a glass shelf supported by two chrome pillar supports. We offer this desk with free installation at only £789.00 at the time of writing.

Normal lead time for the PB reception desk is 7-10 days from order subject to location. The Burocolour budget reception desk is part of the Burocolour range of office furniture featured on our economy furniture line. This range of reception desks features and inset panel in Orange, Lime green or Silver. The rest gof the reception desk is finished in either Beech or Black. Normal lead time for the Burocolour reception desk is 5-7 working days from order. We have the most comprehensive selection of reception desks available on line all are available at unrivalled prices and include free UK delivery nationwide> We also support our offer of reception desks with a free, no commitment design service that include 3D layouts of your reception area to back up our proposalse contact us with your reception desk requirement.

]]>Sat, 18 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-task-and-operator-chairs-now-available
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-task-and-operator-chairs-now-available
has a distinctive curved backrest in the lower back area, this allows a greater level back are co0mfort relives back pain sufferers. The Poise has synchro action as a standard feature, this mechanism permits the back rest and seat to move in a coordinated way to ensure that the correct angle of the body is preserved. Another standard feature of this office chair is the forward seat slide which allows taller users to use the chair more comfortably.

Poise office chairs are available on a five day lead time and carry a guarantee of five years. We are continually adding office chairs to our web site please visit us for the latest great deals on office chairs

]]>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/factory-reception-desks-from-italy
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/factory-reception-desks-from-italy
are based on a simple linear solution in the latest up to the minute finishes. These being Zebrano, Dark Oak, Light Oak and White. The glass shelf can be of equal or indeterminate length to the desk module and is available in satinised (frosted), black or beige glass. These are a number of reception desk modules available and we have prices a few typical layouts within our downloadable catalogue. Factory reception desks are available in laminated wood or real wood veneer finishes.

Manufactured in Italy and on a lead time of 3-5 weeks these reception desks are stylish and extremely cost effective. This is just one in a comprehensive range of reception desks available from Office Reality. We carry reception desks to meet all applications and budgets and we have delivered reception desks throughout Europe and beyond. We support our reception desk proposals with a freer no obligation design service providing 3D drawings for you to visualise your new reception area. In most cases we can also visit your reception area and carry out an on site survey. Please contact us with your reception desk requirement

]]>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exis-executive-office-furniture-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exis-executive-office-furniture-from-office-reality
range to be added to our executive office furniture section. This modern range is available in three rich finishes, dark oak, light oak and Caneletto walnut. Caneletto walnut is the latest finish to be offered by a number of Italian office furniture manufactures. It a warm finish and lighter than the tradition black walnut finish. Exis executive office desk have panel legs and 38mm thick tops which add to the imposing feeling of status that this range exudes.

The Exis range also includes either matching wood or glass top returns in either frosted or mocha (dark brown) glass. Cable management for this range is via a chrome plated cable outlet on the desk surface or on the return desk surface. There is also a version of this executive desk that is supported by an oversize under desk drawer unit suitable for the storage of stationery and other items that need to be kept close as hand. Exis is complemented by a range of designer storage cupboards, bookcases, under desk drawer units and conference tables.

Manufactured in Northern Italy to order this range is available on a lead time of 3-4 weeks Normal delivery is flat packed on a pallet, although are furniture installers are available to sable this range of office furniture for you if required. Exis executive office furniture is supported by a five year warranty and complies with European standards for the manufacture of executive office furniture. We also support this range with our free interior design and space planning service. Please contact our sales office with your executive office furniture requirements

]]>Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-products-on-the-next-day-office-furniture-line
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-products-on-the-next-day-office-furniture-line
to our next day office furniture line This inexpensive range of folding tables has a number of commercial applications including conference and training table applications. The steel legs are held in place by a spring lock mechanism when in the open position. Table tops are in easy clean MFC, they are 18mm thick and finished in a beech colour.

There are two rectangular sizes offered. We have the most comprehensive selection of office furniture products available on line within this section of our web site. This section includes radial and rectangular desks, office cupboards and bookcases, meeting and conference tables. Please contact us with your urgent office furniture requirement.

]]>Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-to-our-executive-office-furniture-lines
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-to-our-executive-office-furniture-lines
of executive desks and cupboards. The desk in finished in warm and rich rosewood finish. And has a feature screen printed brown glass panel to add top the executive feel of the furniture. This range also includes a mobile service unit which is designed to sit underneath the desk and act as a desk return.

The mobile service cupboard includes a shallow drawer, lockable cupboard and open area. Also within the Washington range of executive furniture is a low level credenza with a sliding glass door and a range of cupboards with wooden hinged door nor brown tint glass sliding doors. This range of traditional executive office furniture is also one of our most popular ranges. Please contact our sales office for further information on the ranges of executive office furniture from Office Reality

]]>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/more-executive-glass-desks-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/more-executive-glass-desks-from-office-reality
and available at a very cost effective price. The Artoline desk is available with contrasting office bookshelves and cupboards in walnut, anthracite and white.

The chrome frame of the desks is mimicked on the uprights of the storage units. We source the Artoline range from Europe and it is normally available on a 2 week lead time from order point. Please contact our sales office for further information on our comprehensive range of glass executive desks and meeting tables.

]]>Wed, 8 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cube-seating-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cube-seating-from-office-reality
We have a number of inexpensive cubes and rounds on the web site that can be used as break out seating in many commercial applications. The Mojo range have distinctive silver feet. We are offering these and a fantastic choice of stretch fabrics, suede effect fabrics and faux leathers. Starting at only £97.00 The Mojo seating collection represents extremely good value for money. A variation on the Mojo range the Syncline and Anticline cube seating range has a convex and concave shape to add further interest to the design aesthetic.

Quba cube seating is another popular choice with stitching detail on the top this seating option is offered in a single, two seater and three seater option. Box-it is a further option that allows the possibility of using contrasting fabrics on the two seater and three seater options, again to increase the design effect. All our cube seating is manufactured to order in the UK with lead times ranging from 2-4 weeks to mainland UK. Quicker deliveries can be achieved depending on factory workload, please contact our sales office before placing your order if you have a imminent requirement. Please contact us for further information on our ranges of office seating

]]>Tue, 7 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/booardroom-tables-on-express-delivery
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/booardroom-tables-on-express-delivery
We have a comprehensive selection of boardroom and meeting tables on our exspress delivery line, generally available between 3 and 10 days from order. One of the most popular the Central boardroom table is available in 3-5 days. Finishes held in stock include Beech (Elm) Wenge and Walnut.

This boardroom table sits on a central beam structure thereby allowing complete freedom of movement along the length of the table. Central boardroom tables are D ended to give more ergonomic use within the boardroom. Prime boardroom tables form part of the Prime executive office furniture range and are delivered in 5-7 days. This table also has the benefit of free installation. Facineo veneered boardroom tables are held in stock in Belgium for a 7-10 day delivery period and free installation. These boardroom tables tops are 38mm thick and are offered in brown mahogany or real cheery wood. Facineo boardroom tables are double d end tables with a side panel leg structure.

The stylish tapered leg and design of the Opus boardroom table make it a very popular choice. Opus is available in walnut or cherry and has a distinctive silver edge detail. At only £292.00 for the 1400mm version and £337.00 for the 2160mm size these boardroom tables Are excellent value. Please contact our sales office if you are trying top source a boardroom table or conference table for a quick delivery, I am sure we can help.

]]>Sun, 5 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cheap-desks-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cheap-desks-at-office-reality
and is on a lead time of 5-7 days. White desk tops have just been added to this range some the complete choice of finishes is white, cherry, light oak, light grey, maple and beech. Uniquely the radial desks have a 1000mm side with the option of a single support leg or desk height pedestal to support the return edge. The bookcases and cupboards from the Optineo range have metal shelves to give greater strength and weight loading. Please visit our economy furniture line if you are looking for cheap office furniture or cheap office cupboards.]]>Thu, 2 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ebb-and-flo-modular-office-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/ebb-and-flo-modular-office-seating
Ebb and Flo is the latest range of modular reception seating to have extra large seats and backs. The external and internal curved sofas allow the creation of pods or individual private seating areas that can have a number of applications especially for large areas. The design of the seating allows the spece to be broken up into different areas and the use of different fabrics allow for an element of zoning. The chairs sit on a chrome wire frame in a satin or chrome finish.

The range consists of four modules two curved and two straight. A designer coffee table to complement this range is offered in the form of Ebb this is a tubular design veneered coffee table available in walnut, bamboo or oak veneer. Ebb is available in four lengths and up to 3 metres long. This range of reception and break out seating is manufactured in the UK. The normal lead time for Ebb and Flo is four weeks from order. Ebb and Flo is delivered assembled and ready to use to a ground floor delivery location. Installation is also available on request, please contact us if this is required. Ebb and Flo come with a five year factory guarantee.

]]>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-colours-for-knotrax-filing-cabinets-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-colours-for-knotrax-filing-cabinets-from-office-reality
are now available in 24 exciting colours and colour combinations. These striking colours will make an impact and bring the office to light. The usual offer of grey, coffee and cream and black are still available, the new colour include purple, graphite, orange and peppermint green. Kontrax filing cabinets are available in two, three and four drawer options and are manufactured to a high specification in the UK with a five year factory guarantee. Each drawer has a maximum loads limit of 30kgs. These filing cabinets are lockable and come with two keys.

There is a safety anti tilt mechanism which prevents more than one drawer being opened at a time. The handles to the drawers are always supplied in a grey colour. Lead time is 2-3 weeks from order depending on the colour selected. Delivery is to the ground floor only, the filing cabinets can also be installed if required, please contact us for further information on this option. Available in the same colours the Kontrax office storage range also boasts executive metal filing cabinets, metal side filer storage cabinets and multi drawer units. Office Reality is the leading supplier of filing cabinets and office storage products, with products from UK based high quality manufactures such as Bisley, Triumph and Silverline Please contact our office for all your filing cabinet and office storage needs

]]>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sum-conference-seating-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/sum-conference-seating-from-office-reality
Sum office chairs are ideal for training and conference situations where their robust construction and versatility come into play. The basic chair is constructed from durable and maintenance free polypropylene material in blue, red, black a and green. The heavy duty steel frame can be finished in erp silver or black or for a small increase a chrome finish can be applied. The Sum conference chair is stackable to 15 chairs high.

This range of conference seating also has the option of a tip up seat which is convenient for use in training and lecture layouts where the spece is restrictive. The top seat function also allows the chair to be stored more efficiently. Sum meeting room chairs are also available with an upholstered seat for extra comfort, options include a range of fabrics, faux and genuine leather. There is a also a fully upholstered option and a show wood option comprising of a ply shell polished to a light oak finish. Other stains are available dependant on the size of the order. Sum is also available as a range of beam seating featuring the same tip up seat option. Manufactured in the UK these office chairs come assembled and ready for use on a 3-4 week lead time. Please contact our sales office for further information on the range of Sum office chairs.

]]>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/beam-seating-update
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/beam-seating-update
Mia beam seating is an ideal solution for waiting areas, public and reception spaces. The polypropylene chair is available in blue, black, red, green, white, sand and yellow. The chairs sit on a heavy duty steel frame finished in epc silver or black in two, three and four seater combinations.

The back is perforated to add to the contemporary visual effect of this range of bench seating. For added security and stability Mia is also available with feet that can be adapted for floor fixing. The tip up seat option for this range is a useful feature for lecture and training rooms. Mia is manufactured in the UK on a four week lead time. This range of beam seating can also be supplied with upholstered seats and upholstered seat and backs in a range of fabrics, vinyl's and leathers to add support and comfort. Mia beam seating is delivered assembled and ready to use and carries a five year manufactures warranty.

Ikara is a range of stylish beam seating consisting of a plywood shell in Beech, Wenge or Chestnut on a silver or black frame with a distinctive polished foot. These chairs can also be upholstered in fabrics or leather. Ikara is manufactured in Spain to a 3-4 week lead time. The eye catching design and inexpensive price point of the Capo range of beam seating make it a universally popular choice especially with schools and colleges. This is a UK manufactured range again with a five year warranty.

The injection moulded seats are available in Turquoise, Olive green, Navy blue, Orange and Red. Bingo is an extremely robust solution, often used in high traffic areas. The heavy duty plywood chair is manufactured in Poland and is offered in beech as standard although other colours are available on request. The steel frame is offered in steel or black and the distinctive arms of the Bingo chair are optional and please allow 5 weeks for delivery.

]]>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-chair-mats-now-on-the-web-site
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-chair-mats-now-on-the-web-siteOur new range of chair mats are constructed from acrylic or polycarbonate and are designed to protect carpet and hard floors for damage caused by the pressure and movement of castors from the office chair on the floor. The Cleartex Advantagemat is composed of 20-40% recycled material and comes with a gripper surface for use with carpets or a smooth back when used for a hard floor. Available as a rectangular or contoured shape this mat can also have a lip towards the front of the chair to protect the floor when the chair is pushed under the desk. The polycarbonate version of this chair mat is thicker and is less susceptible to curling, cracking and changing in colour. Cleartex mats are available from stock and are packed in round cardboard tubes with a lead time of 2-3 days from order. These chair mats can be used at home or in the commercial office. Please contact our sales office for further information]]>Wed, 3 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/assembled-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/assembled-office-chairs
We have started a new line of assembled operator and task chairs which are delivered assembled and ready to use. These selections will be of particular interests to companies or organisations who cannot five the time to assemble office chairs for their users. The economy assembled operator chair is available at £68.00 at the time of writing. The chair features gas height adjustment and back tilt action. Available oin blue or charcoal from stock the normal lead time is 5-7 days from order. This chair is available with a full installation service that involves taking the assembled office chair to fits final location within the building and removal of associated packaging.

Fixed and height adjustable armrests are available as an optional extra. The same full installation service is also offered for the Prism office chair which is a more substantial chair with permanent contact back mechanism, also available in blue or charcoal. The Kinetic chair represents excellent value for money and comes complete with height adjustable drop down armrests which future proofs the chair against future users whoi don't require arms. Synchro action promoting more ergonomic sitting by allowing users to sit at the correct sitting angle between the upper and lower part of the body. The Kinetic chair is equipped with a lumbar pump to provide the correct support to the lower part of the back area. The Kinetic task chair is available on a 7-10 day lead time is a comprehensive selection of fabrics and vinyl's.

The GT task chair has an extra tall back that mimics the shape of the spine to give greater comfort and support. This chgair can be manufactured in two tone fabrics in comprehensive choices to add design and personality to an office. The GT task chair is also equipped with feature alloy wheels, a designer polished aluminium base and height adjustable drop down arms. Please visit simply seating for great desls on office chairs and office seating.

]]>Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/we-have-moved-to-westpark-1
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/we-have-moved-to-westpark-1
We have at last taken occupancy of our new offices at Westpark in Wellington, Somerset. We designed and managed the fit out of the building ourselves and took control of all aspects including air conditioning, electrics, dry lining, plumbing and partitioning. The first floor open plan area houses the design and sales team with executive offices for Helen and myself.

The most striking aspect are the goldfish graphics on two runs of storage wall supplied by James Tobias, which will house our design library. The goldfish emerging from the computer screen represents our journey from our "virtual" world at Chelston where much of our activity centred around internet sales to a Company that provides a total interior solution including interior design, fit out and relocation. All our sub contractors for this project were based in the south west giving us a good foundation to work with them on future projects within this locality. The office furniture selected for our own use is Astro Arche in the open plan are and Arkitek for my office and the meeting room with Elios meeting room chairs. The break out space has a bespoke bar unit and bar stools from Cafe Reality.

The ground floor will be furnished over the next few weeks and will be a dedicated showroom. This is the third time we have moved the Company in the six years we have been trading, this new environment will give us greater opportunity to offer a complete package on design led projects in the south. Our office and contract furniture business will continue to develop across the UK and Europe bringing together our core principles of value and choice.

Paul Seddon Managing Director

]]>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/winner-office-chairs-on-the-website
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/winner-office-chairs-on-the-website
Winner task chairs are available in three versions, mesh back, membrane back and fully upholstered. This outstanding and state of the art office chair has a number of new and unique features. The double knee tilt mechanism controls the tension of the back angle and there is a further adjustment which controls the speed of the return of the back via a gas cylinder. Further back support is offered via the lumbar support pad which can be moved at the back of the chair. Seat flexors inside the chair release tension on the legs when the chair is put into the forward tilt position.

These seat flexors enhance pelvis movement to the user and relieve compression points on the back. The height adjustable arms pivot through 360 degrees again provide arm support to the user in multiple positions. Forward seat slide for taller users is also included as standard. This mesh version of this chair is available in elasticated mesh consisting of a polyester and polyamide mix and in seven vibrant and contemporary colours. Equally popular the membrane back is in polyamide and in orange, pistachio, light grey, dark grey and black colours.

Finally the upholstered version can be manufactured in our usual range of stretch fabrics, microfiber fabric, faux and genuine leather. Winner office chairs are suitable for all commercial situations and can be offered to workers who spend a considerable amount of time at their desk. These chairs are delivered fully assembled and ready to use. These office chairs are available in a considerable range of options and are obviously made to order normal lead time is 3 weeks from order Winner office chairs

]]>Thu, 7 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/status-executive-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/status-executive-office-furniture
a value for money range of executive or general office furniture, manufactured to the highest quality in Germany and available on a 7-10 day lead time. The elegant four leg chrome desk frame is height adjustable from 680mm through to 820mm effective below and above the normal desk height of 730mm. The wave desk top is universal and can be used with the deeper edge of the left or right hand side. Standard finishes are light grey or beech MFC.

The range also has a meeting end option and can be used on executive desks to provide the option of holding internal and external meetings without leaving the desk. There is also a range of modular office cupboards with three height options with hinged or sliding doors. This system also includes stackable office cupboards allowing a number of office cupboard combinations to be created. The 1500mm wide sideboard or credenza at only £289.00 is a useful addition to the executive office. This range of office furniture is usually delivered in a flat packed condition however we can assemble these desks and cupboards for you for a small additional charge. Please contact us for further information on Status office furniture

]]>Sun, 3 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/special-offer-office-chairs-now-available
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/special-offer-office-chairs-now-available
is a modern looking chair with a mesh back to encourage air circulation. The stylish loop arms and ergonomically shaped seat make this an excellent buy at only £49.00. We are constantly updating our clearance zone with more hot deals make sure to visit again.]]>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bcf-airmex-mesh-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bcf-airmex-mesh-office-chairs
present the latest design in mesh office chairs. Airmex is a breathable mesh fabric providing superior comfort to many of the nylon mesh chairs on the market at the moment. Further comfort is provided by the adjustable headrest support which can be adjusted to angle to give greater to the neck area. Blue, Wine and Black colour options are available from stock with further colour options to be announced shortly.

This office chair has a synchronised mechanism. The seat and the backrest move in a coordinated way, so that the correct angle for the upper and lower part of the torso is always preserved. BCF chairs also come with stylish height adjustable arms with soft arm pads to enhance the level of comfort.

The stylish spider base in chrome gives this office chair a contemporary feel. The price at the moment is £139.00 ex VAT, incredible value for money when you consider whet this chair is able to offer. We are currently shipping this chair out on a 2 day lead and orders received before 11am will arrive in the next working day. Please contact us for further information on this new mesh office chair.

Our new offices at Westpark, Chelston 26 are nearing completion and our move date has been set at October 16th. In addition to 4000 square foot of office and showroom space we have 3000 square foot of adjoining warehouse space. This move will enable us to bring the entire Company under one roof. We will be able to hold a greater amount of stock to enable a quicker response to our customers needs. We are also extending the services we offer to include commercial fit out and we will extend the commercial interior design service that we currently offer with an increase in in-house resource. The sales team that support our web sites will also grow as our business continues to move forward. The move represents the latest milestone in our six year history and we are we would like ti thank our customers and suppliers who have helped us bring the business to this exciting stage.

]]>Thu, 2 Sep 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/special-offer-office-furniture-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/special-offer-office-furniture-from-office-realityThe Easi Clix folding desk is back on special offer at a knock down price of only Ã‚Â£49.00 for the 1800mm version and Ã‚Â£42.00 for the 1500mm version. Easi clix is suitable for heavy duty use and is constructed from ABS with a honeycomb structure to give a crush weight limit of 900 kgs. These desks can be erected in seconds and are available in black or maple. We have also reduced the price of the Blackmore economy desks. These are available as rectangular desks, the 1500mm long version is Ã‚Â£75.00 and the 1200mm version is Ã‚Â£69.00. There is also a wave desk version being advertised on our clearance line for Ã‚Â£88.00. Blackmore desks are available in oak, maple or beech and are delivered on a lead time of 7 days from order. We are also offering Blackmore under desk pedestal drawers, bookcases and wooden cupboards at heavily reduced prices. Please continue to visit our clearance line and special offer section for more great deals in office furniture.]]>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/logik-integrated-desk-and-storage-solutions
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/logik-integrated-desk-and-storage-solutionsThe Logik range of office furniture integrates storage and workstation configurations that work both in small and large open plan furniture configurations. Desk tops are offered in Taki maple, Ash white, Brilliant white and walnut. Carcasses and storage structures are available in anthracite or brilliant white. Of particular interest are the desk storage units which open from the front and allow access to the files from the side. These are available as double or single units and can also be used to support the desk top surface.

Desks can also be supported by bookcases, pedestal drawer units and CPU holders. Cable management can be provided through a specially manufactured leg or CPU holder both with top access and storage or data and power sockets. Desks screens are offered in matching melamine finishes to the desktops, fabrics and coloured acrylic options. The Logik range is manufactured in Italy on a 3-4 week lead time. This furniture is flat packed and palletized and can also be installed via our national office furniture installation service. In addition we support this range with our free design and space planning service Logik is also suitable for call centre applications and comes with many compact workstation options. Please feel free to contact our sales team if you would like any further information.

]]>Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/precis-boardroom-tables
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/precis-boardroom-tables
The Precis boardroom table is made to a curved triangular shape to facilitate boardroom and training room presentations as well as video conferencing. The presentation and focal point for the delegates should be at the base or wider end of the table. This enables everyone to see the presentation with an uninterrupted view. We offer this table in three lengths 2465mm, 2965mm and 3445mm.

Table tops are available in a choice of MFC finishes, Maple, Light Oak, Beech, Light grey or white and six standard veneer options. The table in supported by 80mm diameter metal pole legs in black silver or chrome. The Precis boardroom table can be utilised in conjunction with our comprehensive selection of cable management solutions.

The Precis boardroom table is manufactured in the UK and is backed by a five year factory guarantee. We support this table with our professional installation service for mainland UK. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information

]]>Thu, 5 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-latest-chairs-on-our-website
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-latest-chairs-on-our-websiteThe Isis chair can be used in conference and dining applications. The decorative solid beech shell is available in beech as standard or polished to maple, natural cherry or dark cherry. Chair frame options are silver, black or chrome. This multipurpose conference chair is available with our without complete and partial upholstery. We are currently showcasing this chair on our wooden conference chair line. Isis is manufactured in the UK on a 3-4 week lead time and carries a five year guarantee. This chair comes assembled and ready to use.

The Endeavour executive chair in black or cream leather features a folding back that allows the user to stow the chair underneath a desk when not in use. This chair is suitable for executives who dont use their office a lot and where space is at a premium. The Endeavour executive leather chair is height adjustable, has a knee tilt mechanism and substantial armrests for extra comfort. Teec chair is held in stock for a 2-3 day lead time. For further information on either of these chairs please contact our sales office

]]>Mon, 2 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/seventies-glass-executive-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/seventies-glass-executive-desks
to the office. Designed by Nikolas Chachamis a Greek Architect who has worked on commercial furniture design across Italy. Seventies is manufactured by Las Mobili, Italy's largest independent office furniture producer. It is available in a array of for stunning glass desk to colours, Ruby, Pistachio, Black or Chocolate.

Wood finish desk tops in Sand Larch or Moka Larch or Matrix white are also offered. The unique and stylish desk frame can also be supplied in chrome or epc beige or white painted finishes. Wood finish tops have bevelled edges to enhance the aesthetic and provide a more ergonomic feel. Seventies is available for delivery in around 3 to 4 weeks to mainland UK and is supported by a factory warranty of five years. We can deliver direct on a pallet or provide an assemble the furniture for you through our nationwide installation service. Please contact our sales department for further information on this exciting range of executive office furniture

]]>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/i-meet-glass-boardroom-tables
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/i-meet-glass-boardroom-tables
range available in black, vanilla, ruby red and moss green glass with a chrome or erp silver leg frames. A flip top cable management system is provided at the centre of the table with a wood surround so as not to detract from the overall impact of the glass finish.

This is a linear design allowing a number of square and rectangular configurations. The tables are also available in Walnut, Dark Walnut, Wenge, Taki Maple, Sand Larch or Taki Larch wood finishes or in Brilliant white.

Manufactured in Northern Italy the lead time for the I Meet range is 4 weeks from order. We also support this range of tables with our nationwide office furniture installation service and office design resourc

]]>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/combating-the-problems-of-elongating-office-hours
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/combating-the-problems-of-elongating-office-hours
It is no surprise that with office working hours on the up, so are the amount of medical problems that employees are experiencing. This being the case, the issue that needs to be addressed is the operator chairs being used. If you can imagine that nowadays people who work in offices are expected to be at their desk for approximately 8 - 10 hours a day.

A recent survey by Deskbound uncovered that 60% of the workforce in Britain work more than their contracted hours at their desk. Of these people 36% suffer from bad posture and a further 56% suffer from backache. A further study revealed that long hours working on office chairs at office desks can cause similar symptoms than that of long distance flying, leading to risks of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Looking at these statistics, it is clear that changes need to be made as within the same survey it was discovered that only 36% of companies provide suitable and comfortable chairs for their employees.

There are two simple solutions to these problems, the first being obvious, that staff should take short breaks from their workstations to exercise their legs. The second being that more money should be invested into providing adequate ergonomic chairs that are capable of supporting the user for long periods of time giving them a good posture and ensuring that they are comfortable. Lumbar support options are beginning to come as standard on office chairs and osteopaths are urging companies to look into more ergonomically designed chairs for their staff instead of cutting costs by buying a cheap chair. Office Reality provide a huge range of ergonomically designed chairs ranging from 24 hour chairs, suitable for 24 hour use, to back care and orthopaedic chairs

]]>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exclusive-executive-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exclusive-executive-office-furniture
Exclusive executive office furniture is available in the Prestige version comprising 31mm thick veneered tops in cherry or the Diamond version consisting of transparent, frosted or smoked glass tops. The stylish metal side panels of the desks are finished in a mouse grey and dark grey or cherry creating a two tone effect.

The side panels opens to reveal a cable tidy with extra large capacity. This range of executive desks is complemented by circular barrel shaped meeting tables, combi double door cupboards with wooden and glass doors and designer glass bookshelves. This range is held in stock in Belgium and is delivered to mainland UK on a 7-10 working day lead time. All prices in our downloadable pdf catalogue include delivery and installation. Pllease contact our sales team for further information on this exciting range of executive furniture

]]>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/surf-glass-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/surf-glass-office-furniture
is organically shaped to offer a more ergonomic option and to add further design interest. The range is also offered in the Decor version consisting of 25mm MFC tops in Wenge or French Apple finishes. The study metal frames are finished in in aluminium grey finish. The curves on the glass and wooden version are designed to maximise the users comfort.

As well as desks there are also meeting tables, credenzas, under desk drawers and mobile desk return cupboards. Double door cupboards are available in three height and two widths and there is also a range of open glass designer bookshelves units. This range is manufactured in Europe for a 7-10 day delivery. We are also offering free installation UK wide for this product. For further information please contact our sales team.

]]>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/designing-and-implementing-a-more-sociable-environment-is-an-investment
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/designing-and-implementing-a-more-sociable-environment-is-an-investment
This new radical study released by the company Steelcase Inc, based in Chicago provides evidence that by investing in high end and hitech furniture such as office chairs and desks, can create a more efficient and relaxed environment for employees in particular the younger generations.

The study was carried out across company offices in India, China and the US, which all showed completely different environments to work in however the basic principles were the same, concluding that more money should be invested in office design. One of the most immediate questions that spring to mind is how to make an office more attractive in terms of its design. Firstly making an environment where employees can connect with their peers and colleagues is crucial.

This is how they can grow from each other and evolve not just within work, but socially as well. On the other end of the spectrum is privacy. There are two types of privacy, one for confidential matters such as a superior consulting a subordinate. For this they would need a separate space, and the other is perceived privacy. In an open plan office, if you put people in cubicles, they can tend to become miserable as they are all alone and there is no chance for social interaction. This coupled with new technology can make a workspace more attractive in particular for the youth of today.

Another great tip is to incorporate colour schemes. Instead of having 100 workspaces the same, having different coloured desks and lighting can create an identity for the different departments in an office. One of the biggest factors however in an office that can create a relaxed and more appealing environment is the personalisation of workspaces. In India it is common for workers to bring in personal belongings such as lunchboxes, bags, umbrellas etc... to have at their workstation, whereas In America they are encouraged to leave this in thir cars. Ideally an area close to the entrance of the office where workers can leave their belongings would be more suitable eliminating problem of cluttering their workstation as well as providing a social area within the office.

]]>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exclusive-executive-office-furniture-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exclusive-executive-office-furniture-desks
Exclusive executive office furniture is available in genuine wood veneer finishes and well as a stunning glass option with frosted or smoked glass desktops. The distinctive panel legs are available in two tone metal finish or as a matching wood option. The wood finish is a rich cherry veneer. The side panel of the desk contains an integral cable riser and cable s exit on to the desk surface in the spece between the side panal and the desk top surface, so there is no need to detract from the finish of the desk top with cable outlets.

The range also contains matching desk returns, high specification pedestal drawer units, glass top meeting ends, credenzas, cupboards and designer glass bookcases. This range of executive furniture is held in stock in Europe and is normally available on a lead time of 7-10 working days. Designed to meet EU regulations for office furniture this range also carries a five year warranty. Our prices in the downloadable catalogue include UK wide delivery and installation. Please contact our sales team for further information on this range of executive furniture

]]>Fri, 9 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/momento-24-next-day-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/momento-24-next-day-office-furniture
We have updated the next day delivery section of our web site to include Momento 24. This cost effective furniture available in Highland beech with a silver metal cantilever leg or wooden side panel legs. The desks include rectangular, radial and wave shapes and cable management is provided via two cable outlets per desk.

Storage options include bookcases and cupboards. Desk height and under desk pedestal drawers are lockable and the drawers run on metal runners for a smoother operation and longer life. The filing drawers support A4 and foolscap files. The tops of the desks, pedestals and cupboards are 25mm thick and have high impact ABS protection. Momento 24 hour office furniture is delivered flat packed with the exception of the pedestal drawer units. We support this product with our nationwide office furniture installation and interior design services. Please contact us for further information.

]]>Thu, 8 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/desk-screens-on-next-day-delivery
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/desk-screens-on-next-day-delivery
We are now offering a limited range of desk top office screens on a 24 hour delivery. They are the rectangular version and are supplied with a C clamp that should cope with most desk thicknesses. They have a core of MFC and upholstered in Pyra fabric with an inner layer of foam. They are available in seven colour options, Black, Charcoal, Blue, Red, Green and Grey and are very competitively proceed.

Desk screens are an ideal way to landscape the office. Provide a degree of privacy and hide cables from the back of the VDU screen. We also provide a more comprehensive selection from our contract range and acrylic options. Please contact us should you require any further assistance.

]]>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mia-beam-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mia-beam-seatingA colourful and contemporary range of beam seating Mia is available in white, red, green, blue or beige. The Mesh design adds to the up to the minute look and the chairs are supported by a heavy duty steel frame. The range is offered in two, three and four seater options and can also be supplied with a floor fixing kit. This product is manufactured to order in the UK on a lead time of four weeks from order. The seating normally arrives assembled and ready for use. Mia beam seating comes with a five year warranty for normal use of five years. This is an ideal product for waiting rooms, public spaces and reception areas. Please contact our sales office for further information. ]]>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pix-italian-designer-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pix-italian-designer-office-furniture
Pix is a range of Italian designer open plan and executive furniture that wont break the bank. Available in a choice of two leg styles the metal T leg and or 80mm diameter pole legs. Both of the leg frames are available in contemporary white or glossy aluminium finishes. Desk tops are 28mm thick and are offered in Walnut, White, Light Oak or Grey. Discreet cable management is available though factory fitted cable access trays and optional under desk cable trays.

Further cable management options can be found on our cable management section. Desk pedestals or service units can be specified in desk supporting or free standing format. The range also has a bench system witrh add on sections ranging from 1200mm to 1800mm. Desk screens from this range are available in wood and glass. Further desk and freestanding screen options can se found on our screen section. This range is manufactured to order on lead time of 3-4 weeks and is delivered flat pack and on pallets. Of particular interest is the extendable boardroom table which offers a very stylish solution at a cost effective price. We are happy to support this range with our free space planning and interior design service. Please contact us for further information

]]>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/solar-conference-chair-on-clearance
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/solar-conference-chair-on-clearanceWe have a limited stock of Solar conference chairs which we are offering on our clearance line at knockdown prices. The chairs is stocked RFU (ready for upholstery) and we are offering the chair in a range of entry level tweed and stretch fabrics. Thus multipurpose conference chair has a skid frame for greater stability and stack ability.

These chairs are manufactured to a high specification in the UK and are available complete and ready to use on a 7 to10 day lead time depending on location within UK mainland. Solar chairs are available with our without arms. Please do not hesitate with your order as we only have a limited stock available. Please check our special offer section for more office furniture bargains.

]]>Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/boardroom-chairs-on-clearance
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/boardroom-chairs-on-clearance
We have just added two wooden frame meeting room chairs to our clearance line. These are high quality UK manufactured office chairs suitable for conference and boardroom use. They are stored in un- upholstered condition so we are offering them in a number of entry level fabric options. We will also consider alternative fabrics, hides or vinyl's, please contact us for a quotation.

Delivery is 7-10 working days from order. The chairs have extra large seat and backs and sit on a solid beech frame. We only have a limited stock of both of these models so please do not delay with your order. Keep visiting our special offer and clearance section for the hottest deals around!

]]>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/time-reception-sofas-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/time-reception-sofas-from-office-reality
Time sofas are a flexible, modular and inexpensive solution for reception, break out and multipurpose soft seating applications. The optional back rest fits into a cut out within the seat and need only be used when requited. Without the back rest inserted the resulting bench then has a convenient under seat shelf for magazines or other reading material.

The back rest has been prices separately on our web site and in a number of different fabric ranges allowing the specifier to select an alternative fabric for the seat and back to add design interest to the project at very little cost. The sofas sit on a contemporary chrome frame. Manufactured in the UK and with a five year warranty Time office sofas are on a four week lead. Please contact our office for further information on this exciting new range.

]]>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/start-designer-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/start-designer-office-furniture
designed elegant and contemporary range available in fashionable desk top finishes, white, light oak and Caneletto walnut. The stylish legs and frames are offered in white or silver (glossy aluminium) as standard. The range includes add on desks and tables for bench desks, training rooms and boardroom table applications. An interesting feature of this range are the section of desk supporting pedestals or service units.

There are low level cupboards that sit in part under the desk offering local storage and double up as a desk return. They also define the workspace for the user. Drawers and doors incorporated into these units can be left or right handed and can even open on opposing sides, allowing two users to share the same unit. Large format desks are also available measuring 1600m x 1600mm with a cockpit shaped user side to give greater access to the desk surface. The lead time for Start is four weeks from order and is normally delivered flat packed and palletised. For an additional cost we can install this range of office furniture through our nation network of office furniture installers. Please contact us for further information on this exciting range of office furniture

]]>Wed, 9 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/back-care-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/back-care-office-chairs
We offer a range of chairs on our back care office chair line that range in price and function but all give more back support to the user than the traditional desk chair. The Obusforme back care chair has long been a favourite an its S shaped polycarbonate frame is designed to mimic the shape of the spine.

The chair has and extra large seat and backrest and an interchangeable headrest. Arms are in height adjustable format as standard and are designed to give additional arm support when using the keyboard. Physio is another popular back care chair with an extra tall back with a similar spinal shape to the Obusforme. The Physio comes with an adjustable lumbar pump as standard . The specially designed dual purpose foam contained within the Physio has additional comfort properties and gently wraps itself around the user.

The inbuilt lumbar pump offered by the Eric chair allows ait to be pumped into the lower back are. The air entry and exit button is incorporated within the chair to prevent it becoming detached from the chair. The flexibility of the Karizma chair designed by international furniture designer Zooey Chu allows continuous support to the user whatever the sitting position and is described as a true response system. Please contact us for further information on our range of back care office chairs

]]>Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/buro-meeting-tables-no-available
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/buro-meeting-tables-no-available
Two simple meeting table solutions that have recently been added to the meeting table line. Buro meeting tables are available with either a trumpet style base or a pole leg solution. Tops are 25mm thick low maintenance and durable melamine tops and the edges are protective by 2mm anti-shock ABS material.

Top finishes are Beech, Maple, Cherry, Light Grey or White and delivery is 5-7 working days from order. Tables are available in 1200mm diameter circular suitable for a meeting from 4-6 people and 2000mm x 1000mm suitable for 8 people. These tables are manufactured to stock in Europe and carry a five year warranty. They are delivered flat packed and can be easily assembled. Please contact our sales team for further information

]]>Sun, 6 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/desk-pedestals-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/desk-pedestals-from-office-reality
We have selected a number of desk pedestals and shown them separately within the storage section of our web site. Although they almost all form parts of office furniture ranges shown elsewhere on the web site they also have unique features which give them consideration to be sold as separate items. Avalon wooden pedestals are offered in 12 finishes, lockable with metal drawers and sides these are available at only £86.00. The contemporary colours and style of the Mexico range of office furniture with pedestals in a Black walnut carcass with high gloss drawer fronts have proved to be very popular. An under desk version with three shallow drawers and a pen tray is available on a 7-10 day delivery and costs £156.00.

A desk high pedestal is also offered for £143.00 at the time of writing. The stylish Curve pedestal is made from genuine walnut or oak wood veneer this modern designer pedestal forms part of the Curve range of glass workstations. The Top Office desk height pedestal featured integral storage shelves situation behind the shelves which can open on the left hand or right hand side. Metal desk pedestals in silver or anthracite finish had the option of 7 different MFC decorative top finishes. The desk height wooden tops have been selected to get as close a match to an existing desk as possible. Please contact us for further information on our range of desk drawer pedestals

]]>Wed, 2 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-fuse-mesh-task-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-fuse-mesh-task-chaira greater level of support and comfort over the more common woven variety and is also thought to b longer lasting. Manufactured in the UK this range of chair is available to order in white, black or grey mesh with several vibrant colour options on the seat as well. Delivered assembled and ready to use the Fuse task chair features a high quality synchro mechanism as standard.

The stylish spider base is available in a black or polished aluminium finish. Arms are fixed, height adjustable or height and width adjustable. Fuse also has a forward moving seat for taller users as a standard feature. There is also a very sylish stackable conference chair within this range of office seating. Normal lead time for Fuse is 3-4 week from order and includes a five year factory warranty.

]]>Tue, 1 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/xpression-reception-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/xpression-reception-desks
The new range of Xpression reception desks offers countless opportunities for customisation offering an almost bespoke reception desk and modular prices.The feature inset panel includes subdued LED lighting and in available in a number of coloured acrylic panels. Contrasting laminate finishes for the main front panel and desk are available in a stunning collection of 10 wood grain finishes and 10 coloured laminate finishes.

Still further options are provided on the counter top which is offered in glass, white blue and black acrylic stone finishes and DuPont quartz composite finishes. With the feature panel offering countless opportunities for signage, logos and other designs it is now possible to create a unique look at cost effective pricing. Xpression reception desks are manufactured to order in the UK and are available on a 4 week lead time. The full range of prices within our downloadable catalogue and include UK mainland delivery and installation.

]]>Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dino-office-chair-on-the-clearance-line
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dino-office-chair-on-the-clearance-line
We have added the Dino operator chair to our clearance line. This swivel base multipurpose task chair is available from only £56.00 in the Pyra range of fabrics. These chairs are made to order on a 5-7 day lead time. These chairs are built to a high quality in the UK and are delivered assembles and ready for use. In addition there is no additional charge for having an alternative fabric on the back and seat as long as they are taken from the same fabric price band.

The chair features a permanent contact back mechanism which allows the backrest to float freely giving constant support to the back area. It can also be locked in the upright position. The chair is offered with the option of fixed or height adjustable arms. Dino chairs are also available in medium and extra high back options. Please contact our sales office for any further information required.

]]>Sun, 23 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/elan-conference-chairs-back-on-offer
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/elan-conference-chairs-back-on-offer
The Elan range of conference chairs are back on offer on the clearance section of our web site. This range is offered as a cantilever, sled base and 4 leg chair. The distinctive slender hardwood frame adds to the elegant and minimalist look of this chair. The cantilever frame is the most popular version and is currently priced in Pyra fabrics at only £113.00 per chair, at the time of writing.

Manufactured in the UK the Elan series of conference chairs are built to a high quality and are delivered assembled and ready to use. They are an ideal chair for use in conferences, boardroom and training environments. Lead time is around 2-3 weeks. Please contact our sales office for any further information required

]]>Fri, 21 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/linton-modular-reception-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/linton-modular-reception-desks
Linton modular reception desks allow the specifier to mix and match from four standard finishes walnut, white, light oak and white. At no extra cost finishes can be mixed with desk top and side panels supplied in a contrasting finish to the front panel. There is also a triangulated central column section which can have a glass counter top fixed to the top to add further design interest. We can also provide logo or signage to this section providing a bespoke look at a fraction of the normal price. These reception desks are manufactured in the UK on a four week lead time.

Our prices for this range of reception desks are very competitive and include UK wide delivery and installation. The reception desk is delivered part assembled and with a minimum of time on site is left positioned and ready to use. This range carries a manufacturers 5 year warranty. We offer a free design service in support of this range. Plese contact our sales office for further information

]]>Thu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-computer-arms-from-49-00
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-computer-arms-from-49-00
Flat screen computer arms an ideal and effective means of lifting thee computer screen off the desk top surface releasing more room to work. The screen can be easily pushed to one side when not in use and can also be easily place at a position that suits the user. We have just added two new cost effective computer arms to our web site. The price buster single arm is available in silver or white finish and starts at only £49.00 at the time of writing.

This articulated arm comes with a through desk connection or desk clamp as standard giving the customer the benefit of both options of securing the arm and preventing any confusion at the point of order. The arm comes complete with VESA adaptors on 75mm plates and 100mm plates suitable for most flat screens on the market.

The arm can very quickly be adjusted to any height via a quick release mechanism. An increasing number of users are using two screens at the desk and so we have also launched a two arm version within the price buster range that offers all the features of the previous arm These arm are stock items and can be delivered within 2-4 days from order. Please contact our sales team for further information.

]]>Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/studio-executive-boardroom-tables
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/studio-executive-boardroom-tablesStudio boardroom tables are available with 38mm tops in white, wenge and walnut have modular rectangular sections that can added together to construct a boardroom table of any length. Column legs are set back to improve leg access and are available in erp silver finish or chrome. There are also cable management options including a lift up sock access compartment which can be fitted at the factory.

Studio boardroom tables form part of the Studio range of executive furniture. This range is manufactured in Italy and is available on a lead time of 3-4 weeks from order.

]]>Sat, 15 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/arto-line-office-storage
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/arto-line-office-storage
We have some new designer office storage cupboards on our wooden storage line. Artoline cupboards are a modular office storage range available in contemporary colours white, graphite and walnut. The use of chrome columns helps to give the range and exclusive and modern feel. The range is available in three height options and two width options.

780mm high doors can be set at various positions allowing the creation on combination units. The storage modules are offered with add on storage units thereby providing further savings. This range of office cupboards is manufactured to a high quality in Germany and is available on 2-3 week lead time. Arto line cupboards have a five year guarantee against design and factory defects. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information

]]>Wed, 12 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/riga-reception-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/riga-reception-desksRiga is the latest addition to our main reception desk line. This range is available with fronts and counter shelves in the full range of RAL colours. This provides the opportunity to accent the desk with corporate or feature colours at a relatively low cost as the surcharge only applies to the specific element chosen to have a special colour. However the choice of a bespoke colour does have an impact on lead time which is increased to six weeks. Stock finishes are Light oak, Ebony or White in MFC finishes and white and graphite in matt and gloss lacquer finishes.

The front panels of this reception desk have been left as plain fronts maximising the opportunity to mount logo, signage and other forms of customisation and also providing a contemporary and crisp styling. Storage is provide behind the desk and this range has the option of using desk supporting cupboards and pedestals saving the cost of a metal support ,leg and as a method of defining the workspace on larger reception desk configurations. Despite its name Riga is manufactured in Italy on a lead time of 4-6 weeks. It can be delivered in part assembled condition or we can install the desk thorough out nationwide installation service. Please contact our sales department for additional information on the Riga reception desk

]]>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mit-beam-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mit-beam-seating
The latest addition to the beam seating section is MIT a stylish system consisting of a polyurethane shell in vibrant and up to the minute colours. The seat frame has a aluminium support structure and seats on a solid beam finished in epc silver. The stylish feet are constructed from moulded aluminium and 2mm steel tube.

There are three and four seater modules available within this range. MIT beam seating is part of a complete family of seating that includes a swivel chair, draughtsman's chair and high and low stools. Manufactured in Spain MIT is available for delivery to most ares in the UK on a four week lead time. MIT is suitable for office, waiting room, reception and public spaces. Please contact us for further information on this range of seating.

]]>Sun, 9 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/computer-desk-lines
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/computer-desk-lines
on the web site and are showing them as a sub division of home office furniture although these can also be used in the commercial office. We have also extended our offer in this area and brought it up to date as many of the desks are now available in the new contemporary colours of wenge, white, graphite and walnut and white combinations.

Most of these desks are manufactured in Germany to a high specification and held in stock in the UK for a delivery of 7-10 days. They are all priced with free delivery and they are delivered flat packed for self assembly. We are presently showing 42 variations with more to be added over the next few days so there is something for everyone

]]>Wed, 5 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/flatline-office-firniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/flatline-office-firniture
Flatline office furniture with its distinctive trestle leg design is offered with glass tops in white or grey glass and 25mm MFC tops in white or graphite finish. Two sizes of desk, 1000mm x 1400mm wide can be connected by a corner link. There is also an under desk pedestal and desk height pedestal with integral rear storage to sit alongside the desk. Associated storage includes bookcase with doors that can be at the same height or lower height.

There is also a range of display shelving featuring a stainless steel frame. Held in stock in the UK, Flatline is manufactured in Germany and is on a lead time or 7-10 days. Flatline is suitable for the home or commercial office, pleased contact us for information

]]>Sun, 2 May 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mw-which-bench-desks-now-in
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mw-which-bench-desks-now-in
On our special offer line we have just added the MW white bench desk. This is available in 1200mm, 1400mm and 1600mm lengths with or without a modesty panel This simple bench solution is built to a high quality. The desk top is 25mm thick, maintenance fee MFC with ABS edge protection. Cable management is provided via 2 cable outlets. The steel frame is finished in silver epc and is suitable for high traffic and heavy duty environments.

The complementary matching under desk pedestal has two shallow drawers and a filing drawer, they are lockable with metal drawer runners. Normal lead time lead time for these desks is 5-7 days to most areas but please check with us first in you hare in an outlying area. Prices start from £95.00 ex VAT and delivery UK wide is free. Please contact our sales team for further information.

]]>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/urban-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/urban-office-furniture
Another new entrant to our web site, this time under the home office furniture section, Urban is available on a quick 2-3 day delivery in Oak or Beech. This is a complete range with rectangular desks, ergonomic corner desks and desk height and under desk pedestals.

Storage is offered through three height of bookcases and 3 heights of wooden office cupboards. This range offers excellent value for money with a rectangular desk starting from only £90.00. Desk tops are 25mm thick and protected by ABS anti shock edging. The solid panel leg design gives additional support to the structure and the lags are metal finished in epc silver. Urban is provided with a 3 year manufactures guarantee and is delivered flat packed for easy self assembly. Urban can also be used in commercial office environments

]]>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-budget-reception-counter-counter-move
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-budget-reception-counter-counter-moveWe have recently added a new reception desk to our budget line. The Counter Move is a compact reception desk in white. The counter down to a small size for storage purposes and is ideal for exhibition or catering use. Behind the counter these is a storage drawer and shelves for multipurpose use. It is also possible to install a mini fridge in this area.

The desks can also be provided with a storage cover to aid transportation. Normal lead time for this counter is 7-10 working days. It is manufactured in Germany to a high quality and is available for only £369.00 ex VAT Please contact our sales team for further information.

]]>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/metal-office-storage-cupboards-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/metal-office-storage-cupboards-at-office-reality
WEcome in a variety of colours and are available with metal or smoked glass doors. A wooden top is also available in a number of finishes for a decorative effect. This is a modular office storage system with two width options and four height options. These office cupboards are manufactured in Italy and are available on a 4-5 week lead time.

They are delivered flat packed for self assembly and we can also assemble them through one of our nationwide installation teams. Please contact us for further information on our selection of metal office storage cupboards.

]]>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/wooden-filing-cabinets-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/wooden-filing-cabinets-at-office-reality
We have a comprehensive choice of wooden filing cabinets to suit all budgets. One of the most popular is the Avalon filing cabinets, these filing cabinets support A4 and foolscap files and are available in no less than 12 finishes, including walnut, white and Havana cherry.

Avalon filing cabinets are on a 7-10 day lead time and come assembled and ready to use. The filing cabinets are lockable and are offered in 2, 3 and 4 drawer options. The Blackmore filing cabinet is a flat packed budget option Now available in oak or beech only.

Prices start from £74.00 at the time of writing. French Gardens antique pine filing cabinets are a favourite with home offices. There is a 2 and 4 drawer option and are available on a lead time of only 2-3 days. Finally if your requirement is more urgent we also have the KIS next day filing cabinets now available in beech, oak or maple on a lead time of 24 hours for orders received before midday. Please contact our sales team who are happy to discuss your requirements in more detail

]]>Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bisley-contract-filing-cabinets-on-offer
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bisley-contract-filing-cabinets-on-offer
We are sill keeping our filing cabinet prices low with the contract Bisley filing four drawer filing cabinet on offer for only £95.00. This price includes delivery and installation. Our two man team will take the filing cabinet to the position required within the office and dispose of the packaging.

The three and two drawer versions are available for £90.00 and £79.00 respectively. Stocked colours are Goose grey, Black or Coffee & Cream. The cabinets feature fully extendable draw3ers so the user can make full use of the depth of the cabinet and has an anti tilt mechanism inbuilt within it. Each drawer also has a label holder and a recessed handle along the full width of the drawer foe easy access.

Bisley have long been associated with quality metal storage solutions, there ranes include metal tambour cupboards, stationery cupboards and metal pedestals. As one of the largest manufacturers of office furniture in Europe and the largest in the UK their products can be found in almost every office. Please take advantage of the special prices on these filing cabinets while we are still able to maintain the price

]]>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bradstone-cost-effective-beam-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bradstone-cost-effective-beam-seating
Bradstone beam seating is a cost effective solution for seating in waiting rooms, office reception areas and other public spaces. There are three leg options one of which provides the option for the seating to be fixed to the floor. The other options are a contemporary arch shaped leg or a T leg.

The solid steel beam is available as standard in black epc and is available in 2, 3, or 4 seater options. A table can also be substituted for a chair at any point. We are promoting this chair this chair in a comprehensive range of fabrics and vinyls. Manufactured in the UK this range is available on a 3-4 week lead time and is supported by a warranty of five years. The Bradstone beam system has proved popular with dentist, doctors and veterinary surgeries throughout the UK.

]]>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-atlas-executive-chairs-on-clearance
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-atlas-executive-chairs-on-clearance
We have added two additional colours to the Atlas executive chair which we are currently showing on our clearance line on offer at only £86.00. These chairs are now available in brown or ivory leather in addition to black. This chair features a large padded seat and back and arms upholstered in matching leather for additional comfort.

This executive chair also features a back tilt mechanism which will lock in any position allowing the user to work in a number of seated positions. Normal lead time for this chair is 1-2 days from order and it is delivered part assembled with instructions. Please contact us for further information

]]>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mega-beam-seating-at-aberystwyth-university
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mega-beam-seating-at-aberystwyth-university
We have installed Mega beam seating for the concourse area the Geological studies building at the University of Aberystwyth from eth Mega range. A combination of 3 and four seaters were chosen in three blue colour combinations from the Xtreme range of fabrics.

The coffee tables were also supplied from the same range. Mega is an expensive beam sating range manufactured in Spain and available on a 3 -4 week lead time. The range consists of 2. 3 and 34 seaters and a corner table or freestanding coffee table. The tubular frame has an epc silver finish. Mega is also available as an operator and conference chair Please contact us for further information

]]>Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/eames-lawsuit
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/eames-lawsuitEames is a well known name within the furniture industry for their contribution to modern architecture and industrial design, so it is no wonder that the news of one of their largest private archives that documented their designs was to be auctioned off, caused quite a stir. The archive was set to be auctioned off on Thursday 8th April at Wright auction house in Chicago, however was withdrawn because of a lawsuit contesting the ownership. The archive in question contains over 100 folders of designs by Charles and Ray Eames, including mass produced chairs made from contoured plywood and fibreglass that were considered hugely contemporary at the time of their unveiling. T

he archive was originally consigned by John and Marilyn Neuhart, who are both design historians in their 80's. Having heard the news of the auction, it was Lucia Eames the daughter of the designer, filed a lawsuit in Illinois claiming that the sole rights to the files are owned by the family. Two weeks before the auction, Demetrius Eames, son of Lucia Eames wrote in an email that the Neuharts had shared files and paperwork with his family, but "with no intention that they become the Neuharts personal property. The lot was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. The lawsuit is still underway.

]]>Thu, 8 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/offices-now-come-furnished
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/offices-now-come-furnished
As we all know, in the last couple of years, the recession has forced businesses to change and adapt to the current economic climate and it has been recorded in America alone, office vacancies are above 10%. This can be due to downsizing, moving and in some cases closing down all together. However there is a silver lining within this dark cloud as more and more offices are being left with furniture still in them due to companies simply not being able to afford the moving fees or costs of disposal.

It has only been recently that landlords are taking this opportunity to advertise furnished offices whereas before removal companies would be called in to haul away any unwanted furniture. This means that new tenants don't have the hassle or more importantly the extra cost of buying new office furniture. To look at this from another angle, you might think that companies that sell new and used furniture will see a decline in sales, but as the appeal for furnished offices continues to grow, landlords are deciding to purchase furniture for their offices and in some cases include furniture allowances for the new tenants to remain strong within the competitive market. In essence we can see that the business property market is evolving during these depressing times, however hope is on the horizon.

]]>Wed, 7 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/gm-economy-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/gm-economy-office-furniture
We have just launched a new range of economy office furniture, manufactured in the UK and available from stock on a 7-10 day lead time. GM office furniture has a five year warranty and is extremely competitively priced. We are promoting two bundle offers a 1600mm rectangular desk and 3 or two drawer mobile pedestal is on offer for only £149.00 ex VAT.

A 1600mm left or right hand radial desk with desk height pedestal is on offer for only £179.00. Desks, and available with a 16 gauge metal cantilever frame in silver or graphite. Each desk is also equipped with two cable outlets for cable management Horizontal cable management can be provided by an optional cable management basket which fixes to the rear of the modesty panel. The rangealso consists of bookcases and cupboards. There is also a circular meeting end which is fixed to either side of the rectangular desks for occasional meeting use.

]]>Tue, 6 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/more-deals-on-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/more-deals-on-office-furniture
The Helsinki black leather sofa bundle has returned with a two seater, single seater and matching coffee table on offer for only £591.00. Available with a stylish silver metal under frame this range of office seating is suitable for reception, and general office areas and the lead time is 7-10 days from order. We have also re introduced the Ravel Bundle deal.

This simple modular reception seating system is available from stock with single and double arm options and with an upholstered coffee table with a beech top. Stock fabrics are blue, charcoal, black, red, burgundy, green or grey. Please contact us and keep in touch for more special offer office furniture and office seating

]]>Sun, 4 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/g-x-office-furniture-in-5-finishes
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/g-x-office-furniture-in-5-finishes
Our range of GX express desks is now available in five finishes beech, maple, oak and white at fantastically low prices. The range includes corner desks, rectangular and wave desks in cantilever or side panel legs. The steel cantilever legs feature a double vertical strut for additional strength and the tops and side panels are 25mm thick wipe clean melamine tops with PVC edge banding for additional protection.

Pedestals have metal drawer internals, metal runners and a hardwood base. Cable management is provided via integral cable outlets, further cable management options can be chosen from our cable management section. Manufactured in the UK and with a five year guarantee this is the cheapest office furniture of its kind available. GX furniture can be delivered flat parked or be assembled by our installation teams foe an addition cost. Please contact our sales team for further info.

]]>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mood-reception-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mood-reception-furniture
Mood reception seating is a modern styled modular range of office seating that can also be used in conference and break out areas. This is a modular range of office seating that is available without arms, with a left or right hand arm or with two arms allowing a number of seating configurations to be created.

Further stunning effects can be created with the use of a contrasting fabric on the back to the seat and by alternating the fabric colours used when the chair is placed in a row. Mood is available on a 7-10 day lead time and comes assembled and ready to use. The use of brushed chrome legs are a further feature of this chair. Mood is manufactured in the UK and comes with a five year warranty

]]>Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dante-office-shelving
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dante-office-shelving
Dante office shelving is an economical solution for archival and back office storage applications Wooden uprights in grey, blue or beech support steel shelves in widths of 600mm 800mm and 1000mm. There are also three height options available 1900mm, 2250mm and 2600. The use of add on bays and closing sides keeps costs to a minimum. The shelves are at a fixed height at a height designed to accommodate A4 lever arch files.

The storage bays are also available with backs in light grey or open backs with cross bracing for additional support. There is also a corner unit option as well as integral cupboards for the 800mm and 1000mm widths which can be placed at any height within the bay. A two drawer filing unit is also available for the 800mm wide option. Dante is manufactured in Germany and is available on a 2-3 week lead time.

The cupboards are RTA (ready to assemble) or we can install them through our nationwide installation service. Please contact us for further information on this range of office shelving

]]>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/arc-reception-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/arc-reception-seating
Arc modular office seating is a popular solution for reception, break out and public spaces. The contemporary design is available with or without arms or with a left or right hand single arm allowing a number of seating configurations to be created.

It is also possible to specify alternative fabrics on the seat and back to create further design interest. Manufactured in the UK, this range of quality office seating is available on a 7-10 day delivery period. Please contact us for further information on Arc modular office seating

]]>Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/topline-office-shelving
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/topline-office-shelving
Topline designer office shelving is available in free standing or wall mounted with perforated or plain metal shelves. The overall look is enhanced by the polished steel uprights. Shelves can be horizontal or angled for display purposes. To reduce costs the system is available with add on units this reduces the use the need for common uprights and allows shelving combinations to be provided a very cost effective prices.

The floor standing version also has an integral cupboard. Manufactured in Europe this shelving is held in stock for a 7-10 day delivery period and is easily assembled. We are offering this system with our usual UK wide free delivery Please contact us for further information.

]]>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/arto-line-designer-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/arto-line-designer-office-furniture
Artoline a new range of office furniture manufactured to a high specification in Germany to stock and available on a 7-10 day delivery period. Stylish and contemporary desk tops are available in walnut, white, anthracite and glass. The minimalist leg style van be further customised with a white or anthracite infill which fits between the legs of the desk.

The vertical of the desk and storage cupboards are in chrome which adds the exclusive looks of the Artoline range. Sides and tops of the cupboards are in white or anthracite only with the doors fronts available in all five finishes. The carcasses are deigned to have common uprights so can be joined together improving the aesthetic while keeping costs to a minimum. This ranges meets European standards for office furniture and is supported by a five year warranty. This range in very competitively priced and includes free UK delivery.

]]>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/home-office-furniture-oakwood
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/home-office-furniture-oakwood
We have recently added a new range to our home office furniture line. Oakwood is a simple range of office furniture available in genuine real wood veneer. The range consists of a 1200mm or 1500mm desk with a built in keyboard tray, a desk hutch with a range of desk storage solutions and an under desk or desk height pedestal.

There is also a corner desk option with an integrated pull out keyboard shelf and a corner link suitable for linking two rectangular desks together. There is also a low storage cupboards and glass fronted bookcases which can sit on it. held in stock this range is available on a 5-7 day lead time and is delivered flat packed for self assembly. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information required.

]]>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/txo-mesh-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/txo-mesh-chairs
We have now sold all our stock of the Buzz leather chair, with the next consignment some way off we are now promoting the TXO mesh chair in its place,. The task chair features a soft feel mesh back and seat upholstered in four way stretch fabric for increased durability. Fabrics are available in black blue and red and the memory foam adds improve comfort for prolonged periods of activity.

This office chair features knee tilt machinist and had a tension control located underneath the seat which can be adjusted to an individual's weight. Height adjustable arms are included as a standard feature and offer addition arm support when using the mouse or keyboard. The back is shaped to give additional support and comfort to the lower back area. We are able to offer the TXO chair on a next day delivery for orders received before midday. Please contact us for further information regarding this new clearance office chair

]]>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/flo-modular-reception-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/flo-modular-reception-seating
Flo modular reception seating is an ideal way to add colour and interest to a reception or break out area of an office at a relatively inexpensive cost. The units are available with cut away sides so the interconnect with the circular modules and well as the option of having sculptured backs.

There is also a coffee table option with a glass or wooden top. We offer this range in a comprehensive section of fabrics alternating fabrics can be used on this chair as well as the option of having a different colour fabric on the seat. This is a very flexible range that can be configured to almost any area and reconfigured instantly. Flo modular seating is manufactured in the UK and is normally on a lead time of 2-3 weeks. Prices include UK wide delivery and exclude VAT.

]]>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/boardroom-seating-options
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/boardroom-seating-options
We have a comprehensive selection of boardroom seating that suit every application and requirement. Our most poplar is the Envoy chair. Representing excellent value for money at only £78.00 each, this black leather chair has a chrome cantilever frame and is delivered in only 2-3 days. Slightly more exepensive and running a close second the leather Kingston chair is more luxiouous and has the option of a light or dark wood frame.

A more contemporary look and excellent levels of comfort is offered by the Manx all mesh conference chair with also have a stylish chrome cantilver style frame and PU arm pads for added comfort the lead time for the Manx boardroom chair is 1-2 days. We have many more boardroom chairs to choose from please contact us for further assistance

]]>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tengo-conference-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tengo-conference-chairs
We have just a added a new range of conference room chairs, to the Simply Seating section of our web site. Tengo's contemporary slim line design is available in a four leg, cantilver and swivel base format. The pleated upholstery design is particularily strking and works well with the 60 colour options within the Xtreme range of fabrics.

There is also a woode shell alternative with hshells in natural, walnut and white. Arns for these chair are optionsl. Tengo chairs are manufactured to the highest quality in Germany on a 4-6 week lead time and has been designed by Martin Ballendat. Please contact us for further information on this range of conference seating.

]]>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/gx-budget-reception-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/gx-budget-reception-desk
The GX express range of office furniture now includes a budget reception desk at remarkably low prices. Available in Maple, Oak, Beech, Walnut or White this desk is available on a 7-10 day delivery at rock bottom prices. The illustrated desk above is on offer for only £377.00. Manufactured in the UK this desk carries a five year warranty. Desk tops are 25mm thick MFC as standard.]]>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/isis-beam-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/isis-beam-seating
The Isis range of beam seating has been one of our best selling lines from our beam seating section. We have supplied this range of seating to waiting areas and public spaces across the UK. The stylish design consists of a beech plywood frame moulded to an ergonomic shape for extra comfort.

The slots in the back of the chair add to the aesthetic appeal. The chair frame is mounted on a steel frame painted in epc black finish with a black tubular leg and chrome foot. The frame of the chair can be stained to maple, light oak or dark sherry. There are further options in upholstery with a seat pad or seat pad and back for additional comfort.

A table can also be substituted for a chair within this range. Normal lead time is 3-4 weeks from order and as always our prices include UK nationwide UK delivery. The Isis beam system is manufactured to the highest quality with the UK and is supplied with a 5 year factory guarantee

]]>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/portman-mesh-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/portman-mesh-office-chairs
Portman designer chairs are available with a mesh backrest for added comfort, support and air circulation. This office chair is equipped with a synchro mechanism as standard.

This mechanism permits the angle between the lower and upper parts of the body to be ergonomically correct whatever no matter what angle is applied to the backrest. The Portman chair is also equipped with an adjustable head rest for improved neck support and height adjustable arms for extra support to the lower arm area. A waterfall seat front relieves pressure on the inner thighs and a heavy duty gas lift is rated for users up to 25 stone in weight.

This chair comes in a 2-3 day lead time and is easily assembled. The warranty is 3 years against design and manufacturers defaults. Please contact our sales office for further information on this office chair

]]>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bahia-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bahia-office-chairs
Bahai chairs are available in a sculptured polypropylene shell in vibrant orange, green, blue, red or black. The chairs are stackable and can be used as a conference, canteen or multipurpose chair.

The standard frame is silver but we can also supply the frames in black or gold. There is also a high or bar stool to accompany the chair. Normal lead time is 2-3 weeks from order subject to workload and the advertised prices include nationwide UK delivery.

The Bahia chair is manufactured in the UK and comes with a five year warranty. Please contact our sales office for further information on this range

]]>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/freestanding-wave-screens-and-budget-prices
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/freestanding-wave-screens-and-budget-prices
We are now offering a free standing wave top office screen in wave and curved format as part of our price buster office screen range. These screens can be used in conjunction with the regular pricebuster screens and feature a drop of 200mm across all the sizes.

These screens are available in the full range of Cara fabrics with Lucia and Screen fabrics also available for a small upcharge.The core of the screens is pinnable and are supplied with a silvery trim as standard with black and dark grey also available on request. Prices include free nationwide UK delivery. Please contact us for further information

]]>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/shaker-style-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/shaker-style-office-furniture
Office furniture inspired by the American Shaker movement is available in a crisp white finish. We have just added this new range to our Small office Home office section and it is available from stock for a 7 day delivery.

Thee range consists of a pedestal desk with filing drawer and filing drawer, a pull out keyboard tray and a pull out mouse shelf. There is also a side table or filing unit, a four shelf open bookcase and a traditional Shaker style chair. This range of office furniture is flat packed for easy assembly and is priced very realistically. Please contact us for further information on this range

]]>Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pu3-conference-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pu3-conference-seating
An inexpensive conference seating solution, the PU3 is a metal framed heavy duty chair with a fully upholstered seat and back. and has a 18 gauge steel frame. The ms also have wooden end caps for additional comfort. Normal lead time for these chairs is 203 weeks from order and they carry a five year warranty.

The PU3 conference chair is suitable for educational, training and other contract environments and is available in our usual comprehensive choice of fabrics and vinyl upholstery. Please contact us for further information on this conference chair.

]]>Sun, 7 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/glazed-office-screen-options
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/glazed-office-screen-options
Glazed office screens are an ideal way to provide landscaping to the office while allowing light to flow through the area. Our pricebuster range of office screens are available with acrylic glazing in clear or smoked options. The extent of the glazing can be one third, one half or fully glazed with a fabric surround.

The D150 range of office screens also comes with polycarbonate and white acrylic options Glass screens from the Pratiko light range are also very popular. This range of glazed office screens also includes manifestations in a straight line effect . We also offer a range of multipurpose mobile screens which have a semi glazed option. Please contact our sales office for further information on glazed office screens

]]>Sat, 6 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-pricebuster-desk-screens
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-pricebuster-desk-screens
Our new range of desk top office screens are more environmentally friendly and are constructed from Flax board which is a by product of cotton waste. Flaxboard consists of the bark of the Flax plant. Flaxboard also have excellent surface properies that allow the fabric of the screen to bond better than before.

The screens are 25mm thick and are pinnable as standard. We are offering these screens with a silver PVC trim as standard to protect the edges from a wear. 25mm desk clamps are provided which fit most desk surfaced although these is also a range of other desk clamps to suit most applications. If in doubt please email a photo of the area of the desk that you wish to use for the desk screen or we can ask a representative to visit you.

These desk screens are available in rectangular, wave and curved shapes with special sizes also available. normal delivery is 7-10 working days from order. Desk tops screens provide an inexpensive method of landscaping the office and adding colour. Please contact us for further information.

]]>Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-seating-deals-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-seating-deals-at-office-reality
Jamina low seating recently added to our range of wood framed reception seating consists of CMHR foam cushioning supported by a heavy duty solid beech frame. Available with and without arms these chairs are ideal for commercial and educational areas including conference, reception areas and surgery waiting rooms and they are available on a turnaround of 3-4 week from order.

We are showcasing these chairs in our usual range of fabrics and vinyl's Manufactured in the UK with a three year factory warranty, these office chairs are already proving to be very popular. We are also showing a range of Chesterfield sofas at knock down prices on our clearance line. These are available in genuine leather from stock in black, brown or wine. They will shortly also be available in distressed leather. Chesterfield sofas are suitable for commercial and office areas and are delivered on a 3-4 day turnaround.

]]>Tue, 2 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-new-eco-friendly-pricebuster-office-screen
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-new-eco-friendly-pricebuster-office-screen
Our new pricebuster office screen is pinnable as standard and available in all the Cara fabric options on a 7-10 day lead time. Lucia, Screen and Doodle fabrics are also available for an additional cost. The trim is silver and is T barb connected to the frame for added strength. This office screen is manufactured from a honeycomb core of recycled paper which is not only a more eco friendly option but the structure is strong yet lightweight.

Each screen comes with two stabiliser feet or if linked the linking strip and one foot is provided. The feet can be moved along the bottom of the screen and positioned where they don't interfere with floor boxes or similar obstructions. We have priced the most popular sized on the web site although special sizes can be provided by taking the next price up in height or width as a price guide. These office screens carry a five year warranty from manufacturing defects and are made to order in the UK.

]]>Mon, 1 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-additions-to-our-office-chair-lines
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-additions-to-our-office-chair-lines
We are now offering the Aria chair as a conference chair. This design classic with its feature ribbed leather shell is available with a chrome frame and levellers making it an ideal boardroom or conference chair. It is delivered part assembled on a 2-3 day lead time and has a three year warranty.

A new mesh chair the Hybrid has also been added to our mesh office seating section. This latest office chair features a breathable mesh back for improved air circulation and upholstered seat with a comprehensive range of fabric choices. The arms are height and width adjustable and can be dropped down if not required. The back tilt mechanism can be locked in a number of positions And there is a forward seat slide for taller users. The designer stiletto base is available in black or chrome. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery of the Hybrid office chair.

]]>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/saturn-reception-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/saturn-reception-office-chairs
A cost effective range of low chairs suitable for education, reception and conference areas the Saturn range of low seating is an ideal solution. The beech wooden frame also has a steel sub frame for additional strength and stability.

There are two versions of this chair with and without arms and we are offering these chairs in a broad selection of fabrics and vinyl options, including the recently launched Urban range from Camira fabrics. Normal factory lead time for these chairs is 2-3 week from order and they carry a five year guarantee. These office chairs represent excellent value for money with prices starting from £69.00.

]]>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/protection-vessels-international
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/protection-vessels-international
The operational headquarters for Protection Vessels International in Tiverton has recently been completed. The Astro Arche bench system was chosen with white tops and a silver frame with integral cable management. White acrylic screens landscape the offices and allow light through and complement the overall modern feel.

Our client took advantage of the special offer Bisoto mesh back chair and the design classic Panton chair or S chair in black which v doubles up as a conference and dining chair. Emperor 8 modular seating with its distinctive criss cross design was chosen for the visitors areas. The installation was carried out by Snedski installation services.

]]>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/waterford-reception-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/waterford-reception-chairs
Superb value for money heavy duty reception seating has just been added to our web site section in the form of Waterford sled base and four legged meal framed reception chairs. These chairs are available with and without arms and the arms have wooden caps for extra support and comfort.

We are offering these chairs in the usual range of fabrics and vinyl's with prices starting from £62.00 for the Sled base chair and £58.00 for the 4 leg version these chairs represent exceptional value for money. Manufactured in the UK these chairs come assembled and ready for use on a lead time of 2-3 weeks from order with a five year factory guarantee. These chairs are suitable for reception, break out and conference use.

]]>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/zado-24-hour-task-chair-in-fabric-options
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/zado-24-hour-task-chair-in-fabric-options
The Zado chair is now available in full fabric and leather options. One of our most popular range of 24 hour and severe use office chairs the Zado has proved popular in some of the most testing environments. This flexible task chair has a multi positional back lock to allow the user to work comfortably in a number of angles.

The seat tilt is also independent to the back tilt to give additional flexibility. The forward moving seat slide mechanism is also a standard feature and is particularly useful for taller people.

The backrest is height adjustable from the sitting position and the headrest gives additional support to the neck area making the chair suitable for prolonged use. Height and width adjustable arms accommodate users of many sizes and give lower arm support when using the keyboard and mouse. Finally the stylish silver five star base give this chair a modern look. Subject to fabric availability the Zado is available on a lead time of 7-10 working days. Please contact our office if you require any further information.

]]>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/traditional-armchairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/traditional-armchairs
We have a range of traditional seating on our healthcare seating section and our wood and metal reception seating section. Available as a single and two seater these chairs have a timeless elegance and are suitable for surgery and medical waiting rooms. We are showcasing this range with the options of a comprehensive range of fabrics and vinyl's including the new Intervene waterproof antibacterial fabric.

The beech fame is also coated with an antibacterial lacquer as standard. There is also the option of having" wings" on the side of the chair for additional comfort and support. The chairs also have removable seats for cleaning and maintenance. This range of traditional armchairs are manufactured in the UK and are on a lead time of 3-4 weeks.

The chairs are delivered assembled and ready for use and our prices include mainland UK delivery. These armchairs also carry a factory five year warranty. We support these range with our free interior design service please contact us for any further information.

]]>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/gx-reception-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/gx-reception-desk
Just added to our value for money budget reception desks. The GX reception desk is now available in beech, walnut, oak, maple and white,. The range offers excellent value for money with a straight reception desk and reception counter costing as little as Ã‚Â£89.00. As with our products nationwide delivery is included.

Tops are 25mm thick clean easy maintenance melamine surfaces. The fixings are metal to metal for added strength and stability. The GX range of economy office furniture is manufactured in the UK and is delivered on a 7-10 working day lead time. The range of reception desks is suitable for any number of commercial situations. There us also a 90 degree section with a reception shelf on chrome supports. Please contact us for further information.

]]>Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/nova-reception-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/nova-reception-chair
A new addition to our wood framed reception seating line. Nova is available as a single seater and arm chair or a chair with a left or right hand arm. These options allow a number of configurations to be created. Nova is suitable for reception, break out and conference areas.

The chairs are constructed from a solid beech frame and CMHR foam is used throughout. We are offering this range in a comprehensive choice of fabrics, vinyl's and leather on a 3-4 week lead time. This product is manufactured to high specification in the UK and is delivered assembled and ready to use. Alternative fabric choices are available and we can also provide prices as COM (customers own material) Please contact us for further information on this new range of reception seating.

]]>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/extra-wide-tambour-cupboards
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/extra-wide-tambour-cupboards
We have just added a new range of tambour cupboards to our storage section. These cabinets are 1200mm wide in contrast to the normal 800mm or 1000mm wide. Access can be difficult with cabinets of this size so we are offering these cupboards in either flat packed or with a fully assembled one piece carcass.

There is a comprehensive range of matching and two tone finishes. Wood effect tambours are provided in beech, maple, oak, cherry or pear. We have priced each cabinet to include metal shelves. The shelves also support lateral files underneath. Additional shelves, pull out filing frame and a wardrobe conversion kit is also available.

The tops can also be finished with decorative wooden tops to match the shutters The cabinets are manufactured to stock in France and are available on a 5-7 day lead time and are guaranteed for five years. Prices are for a ground floor assisted delivery. Please call our sales team for further information.

]]>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/one9five-boardroom-tables
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/one9five-boardroom-tables
A cost effective and contemporary style boardroom table the one9five boat shaped table is available as a 25mm thick and 38mm thick option. We are currently offering this table on a 7-10 day turnaround in stock finishes oak, maple, beech, walnut or white.

Manufactured in the UK this boardroom table is manufactured to a high specification and carries a five year warranty. The boardroom table is part of a complete office furniture package that includes desks, double door and tambour cupboards and meeting room tables available on a lead time of 7-10 days.

The chairs featured in the picture are the design classic Panton chairs which can be seen in the design classic section of Simply seating. Please contact us for further information.

]]>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exton-healthcare-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/exton-healthcare-chairs
As part of our new Healthcare seating range we are showcasing the Exton range of chairs. Suitable for hospital and general surgeries, nursing or retirement homes and similar applications. The chairs consist of a solid beech wood frame with joints that are motise and tenon connected for additional strength and stability.

The chair frames are also coated in an anti bacterial lacquer. The Exton range comes as a high back and extra high back. The high back can also have "wings" for added comfort. For a small additional charge we are also offering the option of pressure relief foam. Suitable for patients who are undergoing the healing process in sensitive areas.

Exton chairs can be upholsotered in the range of Intervene waterproof fabrics which are resistant to bacteria, MRSI and urine. There is also a chair with heavy duty height adjustable arms to allow safe entry and exit from the chair This range of healthcare seating is manufactured to a high specification in the UK and is available on a 3-4 week lead time and comes with a five year factory warranty.

]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cable-management-for-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/cable-management-for-office-furniture
At time when glass desks and minimalist styled office furniture come to the fore then in order to preserve the aesthetic we should look at how cables can be tided discreetly from view. Spiral cableways have a spring expansion from 150mm to 1300mm and are useful when required for height adjustable desk.

They are easily located with a single screw fixing and the base is weighted for stability. The more traditional Cableway allows for the segregation of power and data and is a more robust version than Spiral. It can be used on horizontally or vertically to carry cables to any given point underneath the desk. It comprises of detachable segments to allow customized lengths.

A simple cable basket is also available for horizontal runs underneath the desk which can be adapted for all types of office furniture A favourite through desk solution especially for boardroom tables is the affinity power module. This is a rectangular spring assisted flip top module and can incorporate, power, data and voice in customized variations. This keeps cables and away from the boardroom table surface creating a clutter free environment.

The Eclipse is a circular version of the Affinity units which is easier to install and will table up less space than the Affinity module Cable management solutions for office furniture can be viewed at our cable management section Alternatively please contact us if you have a specific requirement.

]]>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/edison-reception-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/edison-reception-desks
Edison reception desk A cost effective modular reception desk, available in Walnut, Mahogany, Maple, Wenge, White or Silver we have provided this solution to many clients throughout the UK Using a relatively small number of modular curved and straight elements we can provide reception desks of many different shapes creating stunning reception designs at a very cost-effective price. There is also a desk height option responding to disability requirements, available as a straight or curved section. Uniquely the reception fronts can stand as a freestanding element providing a stand up option for a "meet and greet" facility.Counter tops are provided in glass or matching laminate.

Full specification and a downloadable catalogue for the Edison reception desk can be found at http://www.officereality.co.uk/reception-desk-8.php Recent installations include Grove End House London NW8 King Sturge Exeter University of Arts London W1 Centaur Communications London W1 Academy Dental Cardiff Australian Portfolio Wines London W1 Holmdale School Kent Skanska Woking Air Charter Services Derby Rawlplug Glasgow As with all our reception desk and office furniture solutions we offer a free design and space planning service in support of our proposals. Edison is available as a contemporary and stylish range of executive office furniture including desks, cupboards, glass and wood finish boardroom tables. Please download a pdf catalogue at http://www.officereality.co.uk/executive-office-furniture-2-1.php Damian Office furniture design team

]]>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/back-stretcher-office-chairs-back-on-clearance
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/back-stretcher-office-chairs-back-on-clearance
The back stretcher chairs are back on clearance at a delivered price of only £49.00 ex VAT. The back of the char features beads which help excise the back, stomach and abdomen while in the sitting position. The seat is upholstered in bright red, blue, black or silver faux leather. The chair is also suitable for the relief of back ache.

The chair is height adjustable with a gas lift that has an upper weight limit of 25 stone. Back stretcher chairs are available from stock on a 2-3 day lead time and are delivered boxed for self assembly. Please visit our clearance line for further office furniture bargains.

]]>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/st-educational-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/st-educational-seating
ST educational chairs are another solution to the changes in demands and attitudes to seating posture in the classroom. These chairs have a S shape built into the back of the chair to assist children to adopt the correct position when sitting and give additional support where it is needed.

Shell colours are contemporary soft blue, soft lime, plum, lilac, red, blue green and charcoal. This chair is available in six seating heights to suit children of various ages and the seat height conform the new EU directive EN 1729 parts 1 and 2. Heavy duty steel legs finished in epc light grey also have anti slip feet for additional safety.

A hole in the back also provides a convenient hand hold for carrying. Normal lead time is 3-4 weeks and the chairs are covered by a 15 year warranty straight from the manufacturers. Please contact us should you require any further information on this classroom chair.

]]>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/titan-heavy-duty-classroom-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/titan-heavy-duty-classroom-chairs
The Titan range of one piece polypropylene chairs are available as a four leg, skid base and swivel base chair. The one piece polypropylene version has been designed for the toughest of classroom environments and is offered with a 25 year guarantee. Vibrant and fresh colours and a modern design put this chair ahead of the more traditional wooden and plastic chairs we are familiar with.

These classroom chairs are available in 5 seat heights to suit all ages and in compliance with EN1729 European standards. The polypropylene used on the Titan chair is high impact for high traffic situations. Another favourite in this range is the for leg version which utilising a heavy duty oval tube steel frame to support the shell. Other items from the heavy duty Titan range include a folding examination table, chair linking device and a trolley for ease of transportation and storage. The Titan range of one piece polypropylene chairs are available as a four leg, skid base and swivel base chair.

The one piece polypropylene version has been designed for the toughest of classroom environments and is offered with a 25 year guarantee. Vibrant and fresh colours and a modern design put this chair ahead of the more traditional wooden and plastic chairs we are familiar with. These classroom chairs are available in 5 seat heights to suit all ages and in compliance with EN1729 European standards.

The polypropylene used on the Titan chair is high impact for high traffic situations. Another favourite in this range is the for leg version which utilising a heavy duty oval tube steel frame to support the shell. Other items from the heavy duty Titan range include a folding examination table, chair linking device and a trolley for ease of transportation and storage. Lead times for these products are from 2-4 weeks, please contact us for any further information

]]>Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-conference-chair-that-thinks-its-a-table
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-conference-chair-that-thinks-its-a-table
Switch is a simple and flexible design for conference and meeting areas. The folding conference chair with a wire frame and plywood seat and back can be easily folded to form a one person conference table with one piece of the shell forming the back and the other the modesty panel.

Available in Black, Light Blue, Red or Grey on a 2-3 week lead we are offering this chair/table for only £89.00 each. Discounts are available for large quantise and the chair is delivered and assembled on site for use straight away. The Switch conference chair is ideally suited for conference centres where the use of delegate rooms is constantly changing. This chair also comes with a three year guarantee. Please contact our sales office for further information.

]]>Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-ergonomics
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-ergonomics
Ergonomics Part 1 Ergonomics in the office is the study of how human physiology can be designed into the commercial office environment. This needs to be studied based on the individual as well as groups of people. Our behaviours at work is constantly changing to meet the challenges of changes of the dynamics of teams, pressures on the business, changes in business culture and management thinking.

Break out spaces A stimulating and thought provoking break out space can create a positive work atmosphere and increase staff morale. Seating should be colourful and relaxing and easily reconfigured and the space afforded to this activity should be comparable to the size of the organisation. Our break out seating section provides many options. Office furniture should enhance the work activity, there should be space for creativity on the desk and it should not just be used to keep equipment and files of the floor. For normal work the desk should not be smaller than 1200mm long and 800mm deep.

European standards for height are 720mm. There should also be a space of 1200mm behind occupied desks for freedom of movement and 800mm behind unoccupied desks. Distance from the eye to the VDU screen should be 500-700mm. The monitor position should be 10 to 20 below the horizontal vision on the user. The distance between the thighs and the palms should not exceed 260mm and the angle of the elbow should be greater than 90 degrees when using the keyboard. The correct layout of office furniture will take accounts of the ergonomics and improve workers efficiency and health.

]]>Sun, 7 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/acrylic-desk-top-screens
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/acrylic-desk-top-screens
Acrylic desk top screens provide the ideal way to landscape the office and hide cables and paperwork on the desk surface. They also have the added benefit of being light in design and allow light to pass through. They are also a more economical solution than frosted glass. The Allure range comes in option blue, green or polar white in wave, curved and rectangular options. The chrome fittings add to the cool looks and the screens can be joined together to give a tidier and more uniformed effect utilising specially chrome connection brackets.

The acrylic screens utilised with the Astro Arche bench system are only available in rectangles but to complement the style of the range and are available at a very competitive price. Please see details in our downloadable catalogue. Further desk top screen options include the D50 metal screen which has an integral accessory rail suitable for supporting letter trays and stationery holders. The D50 screen can also have an acrylic up stand fitted on top of it to increase the height of the screen but still allowing the passage of light throughout the office. Office Reality has supplied office screens to thousands of customers throughout the UK and Europe. Please contact our sales team for further information.

]]>Sat, 6 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/saturn-tub-chair-on-clearance-99-00
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/saturn-tub-chair-on-clearance-99-00
We have just added a Saturn tub chair to our clearance line. We have a limited stock in Xtreme Tarot stretch fabric. This tub chair comes complete with chrome feet. The Saturn tub chair has a generous seat and back and is suitable for reception, break out and conference spaces.

We are currently offering this chair at only £99.00 each for a minimum order of 4. Delivery in days top most areas, please contact our sales team for further information. The Raffles executive chair in Black or Cream leather is one of our most popular chairs is also available for only £69.00. Both items are priced ex VAT and nationwide UK delivery is free.

]]>Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mw-wooden-tambour-cabinets
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mw-wooden-tambour-cabinets
We have extended the economy MW range to include wooden tambour cupboards. The cabinets feature a silver shutter and a carcass in beech or light oak. The cabinets are available in two heights 1200mm and 2000mm and internal components are either wooden shelves of pull out filing frames.

They feature silver bow handles and are lockable with two folding keys supplied. For access and ease of transportation these Cabinets are delivered flat packed and we have included a small additional charge for the installers to build the cabinets in situ. MW tambour cupboards are part of the range of discounted office furniture range are are held in stock for a 7-10 day delivery to most areas in the UK. The range includes rectangular and radial desks, filing cabinets, cupboards and pedestal drawer units.

]]>Thu, 4 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pylon-reception-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/pylon-reception-seating
Pylon is a range of modular sofas and beam chairs that can used in reception, break out and conference environments. The chairs are available with and without arms or with a single arm to allow a number of configurations to be created. We are offering this range in a number of vibrant coloured and patterned fabric options including Chateau Plus, Marathon and Velveteen.

The chairs are supported by a stylish chrome frame. Manufactured to a high specification in the UK these office chairs are vailable on a 3-4 week turnaround and are manufactured under the ISO 9001 quality assurance certification and the ISO 14001 Environmental standards. These office chairs are delivered assembled, wrapped and ready to use, please contact us for further information

]]>Wed, 3 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/conference-chairs-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/conference-chairs-at-office-reality
We are currently offering over 170 different conference chair options on our web site and this continues to be one of our most visited areas. We have everything from the ubiquitous four legged Stakka chair which is available in a black or chrome frame and three stock colour fabrics from only £22.00 to the more luxurious black leather tornado chair which features soft black leather facings and chrome legs.

High density stackable conference chairs such as the Tuscan and PCL chairs are very popular with conference centres where a large number of chairs are stored in a confined space and are used according to the size of the conference. These chairs are available with transportation dollies and stack around 30-35 high. Linking devices are also available to ensure that these chairs stay together in rows. Another quick and simple way of storing conference chairs is by using the foldaway seat of the Convoy chair so that the chairs will nest together when not in use.

The all mesh Manx conference or visitors chair is suitable where a high degree of comfort is requires, especially for longer meeting. The mesh allows air to circulate throughout the body and prevent heat build up. The stylish cantilever chrome frame add to they contemporary look of this chair and it is available in black or blue mesh. We have conference and meeting room chairs to suit all budgets and applications Please give us a call to discuss your requirements.

]]>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/e-space-executive-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/e-space-executive-furniture
E Space is the latest edition to our executive office furniture line and is available in a rich contemporary cappuccino finish. Desk tops and panels are 36mm thick to give and impression of stature and gravitas. The range comprises a 2200mm shaped executive desk with a curved end on either the left or right hand to facilitate occasional or impromptu meetings. The desk is available as a standalone tem or with pedestal drawers to replace the metal column leg. In addition the desk return is supported by pedestal drawer units.

Storage options include low and high storage cupboards with wooden and glass doors or a two drawer filing cupboard. There is also a circular and oblong meeting table. This range is held in stock in the UK for a 5-7 day lead time and we are offering free installation with this range. EC space comes with a five year guarantee. Delivery is subject to availability so please do not delay in placing your order for this unique range of executive furniture.

]]>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-decodo-designer-office-chair
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/the-decodo-designer-office-chair
We have a new executive designer chair on the web site inspired by the Eames classic Aria soft pad chair the Decodo designer chair. This executive chair is available in soft touch black or white artificial leather. There are also removable arm covers on the chair for extra comfort. The base and frame of the chair are finished in chrome.

Seat tilt action and gas lift height adjustment are included as standard. The Decodo is suitable for use as an executive, office and boardroom chair We are offering this designer chair at a launch price of £95.00 ex VAT. This includes UK wide free delivery as will all our other office chairs. The Decodo office chair also comes with a two year warranty.

]]>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/operator-chairs-from-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/operator-chairs-from-office-reality
On our operator seating lines we offer 71 completely different chairs suitable for all types of users from all types of environments to come within our budget. The choice of office chair has become more important in line with our reliance on desk top computers. Office workers now spend longer at their desks and have to work in a number of different positions depending on the type of task they are performing. We have noticed that our customers are looking for more from a swivel chair than just having a back tilt and height adjustable gas lift.

One of our best selling chairs is the Erik chair which has independent seat tilt and forward moving seating at optional extras. The height adjustable arms can also be folded out of the way when not required. We also offer this chair with a patented lumb-air push button pump option. This permits the user to pump air into a cushion positioned at the base of the back giving tailored support to this area, ideal for back sufferers.

The Flame office chair features a stylish wrap around back which hugs the body. There is also an extra high back option to give the chair a more executive feel and to appeal to taller users. The Instinct chair is another popular task chair that features a square, flexible back that bends in support of the users back as they sit at different angles throughout the day.

The chair features a tension control mechanism which is conveniently located at te side of the chair instead of under the base of the chair which is often the case in other office swivel chairs. These three distinctively different chairs are available in a wide choice of fabrics and vinyl's including the ever popular Phoenix range of stretch fabrics Please contact one of our office chair experts for further information.

]]>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/oracle-boardroom-tables
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/oracle-boardroom-tables
Oracle boardroom tables are available in a number of real wood veneer finishes including Kevisinga, English Pippy Oak, Sapele and American black walnut. Tops are 38mm thick with seven edge options at the standard catalogue price. Cross banding with an alternative veneer is also offered with an ebony line border this is priced within our pdf catalogue. There are several base options from a simple arrowhead base, chrome trumpet based and wooden column bases.

Top shaped can be rectangular, barrel, curved barrel, oval or triangular. We have also included credenzas, coffee tables and meeting tables within the catalogue. Bespoke sizes and shaped are also available and we are able to incorporate our cable management solutions within these tables. More exotic veneers such as Zebrano, Burr Walnut, Madrona or Smoked Swiss Pear are also available at the supplementary price to that shown within our catalogue Manufactured in the UK to a high specification and with a five year guarantee straight from the factory these tables are normally available on a 6 week lead time to mainland UK.

]]>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/executive-office-chairs-at-office-reality
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/executive-office-chairs-at-office-reality
# We are showing the most comprehensive selection of office chairs for management and executives on the internet and this is one of our most popular areas. The Enigma chair has been one of our best selling executive chairs for many years. Manufactured to a high specification in the UK this executive chair features synchronised action as standard.

The large seat and back accommodate most users very comfortably and there is also the option of an adjustable lumbar support to addition support to the lower back area. This chair also has a forward moving seat mechanism for taller users. The arms are height adjustable and pivot 180 degrees to give support in a number of operating positions. The unique sculpturing of the leather Banton chair with its stylish design and contemporary styling have proved very popular.

Some executives prefer the more classic designer look of the Aria or Eames style executive chairs offered in black or white leather. The Kenilworth chair is a cost effective reproduction style of executive leather chair available with button upholstery in traditional green or brown leather with leather arm pads for additional comfort. Whatever your requirement we will have an office chair that will suit your needs and budget, please contact one of our customer advisors for further information.

]]>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/executive-furniture-lines
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/executive-furniture-lines
We have the most comprehensive offer of executive office furniture on line and we are adding and improving the ranges we showcase all the time. One of the most popular ranges is Max. This is a traditional range of executive furniture available in a choice of Cherry, Walnut or Rosewood finishes. Max executive desks feature 50mm thick tops to give an overall feeling of gravitas and importance.

The price point as always is very keen with the signature 2m bow fronted Max desk available at only £583.00. Max also has a range of well priced modular cupboards within its portfolio. The cupboards and available with wooden or smoked glass doors and finishing tops and sides can be specified separately in order to create a modular cupboard combination. The Arkitek range is a more contemporary executive furniture range with a distinctive leg frame that is provided in either a matt silver finish or polished chrome and tops that can be manufactured from 25mm MFC or compact laminate.

Glass tops are also available with this range. In either clear, frosted or coloured glass. Arkitect is compatible with Block executive storage and credenzas as well as the comprehensive Armarios range of wooden cupboards. These ranges are available on a lead time of 3-5 weeks depending on the time of year and workload. We offer our installation service in support of both these executive furniture ranges

]]>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tub-chairs-for-office
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/tub-chairs-for-office
We offer a comprehensive range of tub chairs in stretch and woven fabrics, vinyl's and hides often with accompanying sofas. Tub chairs are a popular and convenient method of providing reception, break out and occasional conference seating. They are more space efficient than sofas especially in waiting areas. Visitors who don't know one another may not seat together on a sofa but they will sit on tub chairs where there is a greater feeling of enclosed personal space.

One of our most popular ranges of tub chairs is the Club range which is available from stock in black leather. Club tubs are also available in a wide selection of coloured man made leather for only £99.00. The Retro classic Karma chair is available on a circular swivel base or skid base, again with a comprehensive choice of fabrics, manufactured in the UK and carrying a five year warranty. This tub chair has proved to be very popular with schools and universities. Another popular chair the Avanti is available for immediate deliveries in soft feel black leather this tub chair also have distinctive chrome fronts to give the chair a designer feel.

]]>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/landscaping-the-office-with-office-screens-and-dividers
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/landscaping-the-office-with-office-screens-and-dividers
Office screens can be used to divide and landscape the office, hide clutter and create temporary or permanent office space and meeting spaces. We offer a comprehensive range of office screens from inexpensive options in Cara and Lucia fabrics to wood laminate, veneers, polycarbonate, acrylic or glass.

Acrylic and Polycarbonate screens are a popular choice not only do they have an aesthetic appeal but they permit light to pass through. Acrylic options are available within the Pratiko Lite range, D150 range and desk top options from the Allure range of desk top screens. Wave top freestanding screens also add further interest to the landscaping effect.. We offer these options within our contract screen and D150 ranges as well as the slatted wooden Flexi screens.

Office screens can also help reduce noise within the office soft surfaces such as the fabric options will have a greater effect than the harder wooden options Some screens such as the Alumini and Doreme range have Rockwool acoustic material inserted into the core of the screen to increase the acoustic properties. Airflake is a hanging screen system which acts as a curtain type office divider and can be customised to produce a stunning effect. This system have proved especially popular with break out and canteen spaces. Another interesting option the Izzi screen has a light box built inside it and is ideal for display and promotional areas,.

]]>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mw-boardroom-tables
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mw-boardroom-tables
We have just added a new boardroom table to our quick ship line. The MW boardroom table is part of our budget MW range of office furniture. Available in beech, walnut or maple the table is manufactured from 40mm board for the top and side panel legs. The table measures 3600mm x 1200mm and is boat shaped design.

Held in stock in the UK the lead time is 7-10 working days. The MW range of office furniture is available at knockdown prices on our Economy office furniture line with a corner desk and desk height pedestal on offer for only £179.00 ex VAT. As with all our products on the Office Reality web site UK wide delivery is included in the price. Please contact us for further information

]]>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/intro-reception-sofas
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/intro-reception-sofas
Intro is a new bench soft seating system suitable for reception and public space areas. This modular range is available as a simple bench or bench with a back. 45 degree and 90 degree connecting pieces allow a number of configurations to be designed.

The designer chrome frame adds further interest. Intro is offered in a number of exciting fabrics and coloured vinyl's to allow colourful combinations to be created. There is also the possibility of specifying a two tone option with an alternative fabric on the back and seat. As well as having the connecting elements in a contrasting colour. Intro is available on a lead time of 3-4 weeks and is manufactured in the UK to a high standard of quality. The warranty on this office seating range is five years from the point of order. Prices for the 2 seater bench start from £264.00 in Plaza or Phoenix range of fabrics. Please contact us for any further information on this range of office seating.

]]>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dino-office-chairs-1
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dino-office-chairs-1
The Dino task chair is now on the clearance line with an entry price of only £58.00 in a comprehensive choice of Pyra fabrics. The normal lead time for this office chair is 3 weeks. Dina chair have a permanent contact mechanism as standard, the back can be left in a free float option given constant support to the back no matter whet the angle or it can be locked in the upright position.

For an additional cost we can supply this chair with fixed or height adjustable arms. Dino office chairs arrive assembled and ready to use and our price includes free ground floor delivery. The Dino deluxe is the management version of this chair with an extra large seat and back. This chair starts at only £113.00 and has he same options. However the Dino deluxe chair is provided with synchro mechanism as a standard feature. At no extra cost we are offering both chairs in a two tone option with a different colour fabric to the seat and backrest to add design interest to the office. These office chairs are manufactured in the UK and are supplied with a 5 year factory guarantee.

]]>Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bobio-office-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bobio-office-seating
Bobio is a modular office seating solution that can be sued in a variety of applications within the office or commercial area. Its sumptuous cushioning provide a high level comfort. It is also build around a solid beech frame for additional strength and rigidity. This office chair is available in two tone options across the fabric ranges at the price of the fabric in the higher band. In the fabrics are in the same band there is no additional charge.

The chair also has attractive metal feet finished in erp silver. We are offering this chair in a number of fabrics, vinyl and leather colours including the Xtreme and Phoenix range of stretch fabrics which are probably our most popular. Bobio is ideally suited to reception and break out spaces as well as occasional conference and executive use. This chair is manufactured in the UK and is available on a lead time of 4 weeks from order. Bobio complies ith the Bristish standar5ds for office seating and has a five year guarantee.

]]>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/green-shoots-in-the-us-office-furniture-sector
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/green-shoots-in-the-us-office-furniture-sector
The two American office furniture giants Steelcase and Herman Miller are both seeing signs that point to the beginning of the long awaited upturn in the office furniture market. Both Companies who saw their production drop by more than 30% in 2009 are seeing an increase in enquiries from large corporate clients and the resumption of building projects that were put on hold in 2009. Industry pundits are predicting a modest growth in the sector of between 1 and 2.50%.

Predictable the main obstacle to growth is the availability of finance. Many of the top office furniture manufactures have diversified into the Healthcare and Education sectors which aren't subject to the same recessionary pressures however there still remains a significant reliance on the activity and recovery of the Corporate and financial sectors where the relative spend on office furniture per head is higher.

]]>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-chairs-at-knock-down-prices
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/office-chairs-at-knock-down-prices
The Coral office chair is an ideal chair for home office use, as a break out chair and a conference chair. The chairs seat and back are manufactured in black faux leather the spider base and 50mm hooded castors are finished in chrome to give the chair a designer feel. This chair is also height adjustable. We are offering the Coral office chair on our special offer line at the price of only £89.00 this price includes free UK delivery.

The Elan B and C chairs are also on special offer with a skid or cantilever base. The designer conference chairs are being offered in Pyra, Extreme and mainline prices at knock down prices. Among the many office chairs on our clearance line the Rabini management chair is one of the most popular. This management office chair is offered in a choice of blue or black fabric. The foams are sculptured to suit the shape of the body and provide additional back support. We are currently offering this office chair at a cost of only £49.00. Stocks are subject to availability.

Another popular chair from our clearance line is the Atlas executive chair in soft feel black leather with adjustable tilt and soft padded arms we are offering this black leather executive chair for only £86.00. Please keep checking our special offer and clearance lines for more exciting office furniture bargains

]]>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/eclipse-defines-your-personal-zone
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/eclipse-defines-your-personal-zone
The eclipse office system protects your personal zone. Designed by Marcus Ward Curran this unique office concept includes an office chair, speakers, a desk and expandable hood. This workstation is totally mobile and sits on heavy duty castors. Power is also integrated within the workstation. The designer completed the project in his final honours year.

The concept behind the workstation was to offer the enclosed feel of an enclosed office in an open plan area, and offering a solution to flexible working between concentrated solo effort and collaborative team work. The moveable panels offer varying degrees of privacy depending on where they are positioned.

]]>Sat, 9 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/executive-office-furniture-from-stock
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/executive-office-furniture-from-stock
We have placed some of our executive furniture options on a fast track line at allow you to choose from ranges that are available from stock on lead times that range from 2-10 working days. One of our favourite ranges the Prime executive range. At rock bottom prices we offer this range that includes delivery and installation.

Finish options are homey maple and Wildbirne cherry a finish that is similar to rosewood. The desk top has a distinctive ridged protective edging and is 40mm thick. The bow fronted desk is panel side for a more traditional look. Storage options include a side filer and cupboards with wooden or glass doors. This range is available on a lead time of 5-7 working days.

Another popular range and at a very competitive price point, Image executive furniture is available in walnut with side panels in contrasting black finish, the wrap around shape of the main desk combines with the curved desk return to produce an organic feel to the executive workstation. This range is also available with a full offer of cupboards and filing cabinets on a 3-5 day lead in period. Regency in Dark and light walnut also is also a range of contemporary executive office furniture with 36mm desk tops, storage cabinets, pedestals and meeting tables available on a 1-2 day tailgate delivery. This range is supported by our installation service if required. Please contact us for any further information required on these ranges of executive office furniture. We also support these ranges with our free design and survey service

]]>Fri, 8 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bison-reception-seating
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/bison-reception-seating
Bison is a stylish and contemporary tub chair suitable for reception and break out areas. Available in a wide range of fabrics, vinyl's and leathers. Designed by renowned furniture designer Simon Pengelly from his practice Pengelly Design in London. The conical shape and distinctive wrap around arms add the unique style of this chair. It is also possible to specify an alternative fabric on the front of the chair to the back customising the chair further with a two tone effect.

Manufactured in the UK this chair is available on a lead time of 4-6 weeks and made to the highest standards. We offer a five year guarantee with these office chairs. Please contact us for further information

]]>Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mega-wooden-storage-cupboards
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mega-wooden-storage-cupboards
Mega storage cupboards are available in grey, beech, cherry or walnut. This range is manufactured to stock in Italy and is available on a 7-10 day lead time. The range includes vertical tambour cupboards, open bookcases and cupboards with wooden or frosted glass doors.

Finishing sides and tops can be purchased separately to provide a totally bespoke look at fraction of the price. Internal components includes metal shelves with an under shelf lateral filing rail, pull out filing cradles and sloping display shelves. The cupboards can be further customised by the addition of decorative plinths and silver designer feet. This is a flat pack solution however we can install these cupboards for an additional charge if required. This range has a 3 year factory guarantee and is manufactured to ISO 2001 quality assurance standards.

]]>Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mobilo-classroom-cupboards
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/mobilo-classroom-cupboards
More great deals on educational furniture, most of the cupboards highlighted on our educational furniture section include Grattner trays in 4 sizes and a number of colour options. These cupboards are supplied in beech finish and include heavy duty castors for mobility and flexibility.

The cupboards arrive ready assembled and ready for use. There are four widths and eight height options to choose from and the cupboards are only available in a beech finish. Many of these items are in stock and the maximum lead time for cupboards out of stock is four weeks. There is also a five year warranty with these products. Please contact us if you require any further information on these office and educational cupboards.

]]>Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-classroom-tables-at-low-prices
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-classroom-tables-at-low-prices
Our new range of educational classroom and office furniture are now at even loser prices with crush bent classroom tables starting from as low as £29.00. These tables come assembled and ready to use in a choice of black or grey frames and laminated tops in Red, Blue, Yellow, Beech, Grey or Green.

There is a choice of PVC or MDF protective edging at no extra cost and a non stacking and stackable version is also available. All the tables have levellers for use on uneven floors. Needless to say while these prices are low we are also able to give quantity discounts when appropriate. Folding examination desks with a beech top and black frame are priced at Ã‚Â£19.00 again subject to quantity discounts.

There is also a Examination table trolley which will hold 40 desks on heavy duty castors for fast and convenient storage. All these items are on a 2-4 week lead time depending on stock levels which vary throughout the academic year. All our educational furniture has a five year guarantee and compy with British legislation for furniture use in the classroom.

]]>Mon, 4 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dynamic-reception-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/dynamic-reception-desk
Dynamic reception desks are available in a choice of MFC front panels in dark grey, silver or beech(elm) and also in 1.50 laminated steel panels finished in epc silver. The steel front panels also have punched holes for added interest. The desk frame and legs are 1.50mm thick steel with 40mm cross section legs.

The panels are also equipped with an under desk storage shelf and matching counter top. The desk surface is available in white, beech, walnut, white or maple. There are four modules that make up the full range, one of which is curved. This allows a number of reception desk configurations to be created. Manufactured in Spain this range comes with a five year guarantee against factory defects and is made under BS5750 quality assurance considerations.

The normal lead time for this product is four weeks from order and arrives in a flat packed consition. WE can install this range for an additional charge via our trained office furniture installers. Please contact us for further information on the Dynamic office reception desk

]]>Sun, 3 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-year-storage-deal
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/new-year-storage-deal
We are starting the new year with a sale of Bisley metal storage cupboards, filing cabinets and tambour cabinets. Two three and Four drawer Bisley contract filing cabinets complete with a five year guarantee, central locking and aqti tilt are available from £79.00. Bisley double door cupboards in Coffee/Cream or Grey complete with internal adjustable shelves are available, delivered assembled and ready to use, prices start from £106.00.

Finally Bisley economy tambour cupboards available in three heights 1016mm, 1651mm and 1968mm on offer with a variety of internal components including slotted and plain shelves and pull out filing frames on offer from only £172.00. Prices quoted include delivery and installation in other words we take the cabinets to your location within the office, take away the packing and leave it ready to use. This excludes positioning of shelves in the cupboards. These offers are subject to availability and are not subject to quantity. Please call us to place your orders

]]>Sat, 2 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/screen-box-it-integrated-office-furniture
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/screen-box-it-integrated-office-furniture
Screen box is now available on our smart desk section, with integrated office furniture that allows the flat screen, keyboard and mouse to be shut securely away within a self contained module. Apart from the obvious security benefit this also free up the desk surface to allow for non IT related work. It is locked away in a smooth hydraulic action in a module designed to hold screens from 17-19". 25mm thick MFC tops are available in Oak, Beech, Ash ,Cherry or Silver The modules can be position on the left-hand right hand or centrally positioned within the desk.

There is also a double module desk in the 1600mm and 1800mm rectangular desk options Manufactured in the UK the lead time for these desks is four weeks from order and come with a five year warranty. Our published prices include delivery and installation to mainland UK. Please note that these prices do not include the price of the Flat screen or other IT equipment. Please contact us for further information

]]>Fri, 1 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/valde-reception-desks
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/valde-reception-desks
The new Valde range of reception desks with columns and counters in walnut or white and facia panels in selection of lime green, lilac or orange. There are a number of modules which permit a number of configurations to be met. This desk also has the option of adding LED lighting to the under counter front to add further interest to the desk. The Valde reception desk is manufactured by one of Poland's leading manufactures and is available for delivery on a 4-6 week lead time.

These desks complies with EU standards for the production of office furniture and are manufactured in a factory that has one numerous awards for its products. We support this product with a free comprehensive design and survey service. Please contact us for further information.

]]>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/galaxy-leather-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/galaxy-leather-office-chairs
The restyled Galaxy leather operators chair offers the luxury of a leather executive chair with a fully featured operator's chair. The extra deep foam cushioning in the seat and the backrest give additional comfort and support. This office chair is also equipped with height adjustable arms which give support to the lower arms which is a particular advantage to those who are using a keyboard for an extended period of time.

Independent seat tilt allows manual alteration of the back and seat sitting angle, this ensuring that a good sitting posture can be achieved for a number of different users. A ratchet mechanism also allows manual alteration of the back height from a sitting position making it easier and more convenient to obtain the correct support. We are currently offering this chair at £109.00 on a 2-3 day lead and it comes with a 2 year warranty Please contact us for further information.

]]>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/foro-reception-desk
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/foro-reception-desk
Foro is a reception desk module available in one size only in modern finishes. The fascia is available in glossy white, lilac or orange and the surround in walnut or white. This desk comes assembled and ready to use.

The classic shape combines low level access and a counter top with a full depth desk and an additional storage are available behind the desk. This desk is manufactured in Europe and the lead time is 4-6 weeks. The desk measures 2100mm and is suitable for small areas where a good impression has to be made. Please contact us for more details or if you would like to take advantage of our free design and spece planning service

]]>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/brunswick-office-chairs
http://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/brunswick-office-chairs
The Brunswick conference chair is one of the latest additions to our web site. The mesh back of this chair not only promotes comfortable back support but also allows better air circulation than its upholstered contemporaries. Elegantly styles arms with PU arm pads are available as standard and the frame can be ordered in black or silver.

This chair is stackable up to ten chairs high and the durable frame is lightweight making it a very flexible chair suitable for conference and training environments. The seat is upholstered on black fabric with deep foam for additional comfort. The lead time from order is normally 2-3 days and the chair comes with a 2